Dobela to lead Lions attack against Ospreys

Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen will rely on Lubabalo Dobela to spearhead his attack as his side welcome Welsh opponents Ospreys in the final round of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday.

The nifty flyhalf, formerly with the Griquas, will relish the opportunity to start this weekend after making a few cameos in recent matches.

Elsewhere, Ruan Venter continues his role in the No 4 jumper while Saturday also sees the return of loose head prop Juan Schoeman.

Speedster Edwill van der Merwe and center Marius Louw (off the bench) will make their final appearances in Lions colours on Saturday after immense contributions in seasons past.

Centre Henco van Wyk returns at outside centre after being a last-minute omission last week due to illness.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's clash, tighthead prop and one of the team's leaders, Asenathi Ntlabakanye spoke about how is side would like to end the season on a positive note especially for teammates Van der Merwe and Louw.

"This weekend is an opportunity for us to send off some guys on a positive note and play high-quality rugby," said Ntlabakanye.

"For Edwill and Marius that are leaving, we must send them off well. They have been great servants to the Lions. We need to put a spectacle for them and end the season off on a high note," he concluded.

Emirates Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Renzo du Plessis, 6 JC Pretorius; 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Ruan Vanter; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie (capt), 1 Juan Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Izan Esterhuizen, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Kelly Mpeku.

SATURDAY

Emirates Lions v Ospreys

Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 4.15pm IRE & UK/5.15pm ITA & SA

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 29th league game)

AR 1: Christopher Allison (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Live on: SuperSport, S4C, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv