Kotze, Wolhuter start for Lions in Wellington

Fidelity ADT Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has opted for a 6-2 bench split as his side prepares for a trip down to Wellington to face the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers this Sunday (3pm kick-off). After a dominant first two rounds in the competition where they’ve collected maximum points at home, the men from Johannesburg embark on their first away fixture of the campaign with a highly anticipated clash against a spirited Boland outfit.

Despite a loss to the Suzuki Griquas last weekend, Hawies Fourie’s men will look to correcting their wrongs in front of their passionate locals at the scenic Boland Rugby Stadium. Nkosi is aware of the dangers Boland will pose despite their stumble in Kimberley.

“Boland are fresh from a loss but there was very little in it last week in Kimberley so more than anything, they would have taken solace out of that performance combined with the display against the Cheetahs the week before,” he warned.

“We are expecting a rush defence from them come Sunday. They have electric backs, some of whom we know and have had the pleasure of coaching, so we can’t be too loose against them,” he cautioned. “We’ve seen what they did against the Griquas when given the opportunity. Ours is to ensure that we suffocate them and get to their weak points,” Nkosi concluded.

Talented loosehead prop SJ Kotze starts this Sunday alongside skipper Jaco Visagie and RF Schoeman. Kade Wolhuter drives the attack in place of Lubabalo Dobela (flu). New signing Dylan Sjoblom starts at lock in place of Darrien Landsberg who took a head knock last weekend. Kelly Mpeku occupies the left wing in place of Rabz Maxwane (wrist)

On the bench, Franco Marais and Juan Schoeman provide cover at hooker and loosehead prop respectively. Layton Horn and Bronson Mill make up the backline replacements.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers starting XV: 15 James Tedder, 14 Donavan Don, 13 David Brits, 12 Lunathi Nxele, 11 Xavier Mitchell; 10 Ashlon Davids, 9 Louis Schreuder; 8 Thurlow Marsh, 7 Khwezi Mafu, 6 Sauliegh Arendse; 5 Marlyn Williams (capt), 4 Michael Benadie; 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Wayrin Losper. Replacements: 16 HP van Schoor, 17 Mthokozisi Gumede, 18 Laurence Victor, 19 Ameer Hendricks, 20 Ludio Williams, 21 Chriswill September, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Erik Lambrecht.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Kelly Mpeku; 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Jarod Cairns; 5 Rynhard Roets, 4 Dylan Sjoblom; 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Jaco Visgie (capt), 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Stian de Bruyn, 19 Johnre Stopforth, 20 Luca Ribbens, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Layton Horn, 23 Bronson Mills.

Sanlam Boland Kavaliers v Fidelity ADT Lions - Sunday @ Sanlam Boland Stadium, Wellington (3pm)

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen

Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby