Springboks Quan Horn and Ruan Venter have been included in Saturday's Round 6 Carling Currie Cup clash against the Airlink Pumas at Emirates Airline Park (3pm).
The return of the two internationals will be welcomed by head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi who will be eager to continue his side’s winning momentum after a crucial 28-36 away win in Kimberley last week Sunday.
The starting XV sees a few changes (mainly due to injury and rotation) from the side which did duty in the Northern Cape against the Suzuki Griquas.
Lock Darrien Landsberg starts in the No 5 jumper ahead of Etienne Oosthuizen who’ll make an impact from the bench. Jarod Cairns switches position in the backrow in place of the injured Ruhan Straeuli (toe). Last week’s Man of the Match Renzo du Plessis will want to continue his rich form alongside Venter on the side of the scrum.
Talented playmaker Bronson Mills makes the switch to pivot on Saturday for the sidelined Sam Francis (shoulder).
Fidelity ADT Lions head coach Nkosi said: “We’re happy to be back at home this week, we feel we owe the Joburg faithful a quality performance and hopefully a good result that comes with that.
“There are few changes that are injury enforced and a few changes that are tactical. We’re excited about the youngsters in the front row in SJ Kotze and RF Schoeman who’ll get valuable experience against a tough Pumas outfit.
"We welcome Ruan Venter and Quan Horn back into the team after their scheduled rest periods and hopefully they can give us the X- factor we know they can bring. Bronson Mills whose an up-and-coming youngster that has done well in the junior competitions, gets his opportunity in place of injured Sam Francis. Bronson is a player we’re keen to see more of at this level and excited about what he can bring.”
On the Airlink Pumas he added: “Regarding the game, we’re very much alive to the fact that the Pumas will be looking for redemption after our round two result. Since then, they’ve gone very well and are in form. It’s important that we pick up from our performance last week and look to improve again and back up the performance with an even better one in front of our home crowd.”
Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Kelly Mpeku, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Tapiwa Mafura; 10 Bronson Mills, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Raynard Roets; 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Jaco Visagie (capt), 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 Sivu Mabece, 19 Etienne Oosthuizen, 20 Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Luca Ribbens, 22 Layton Horn, 23 Zander du Plessis.
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