Lions tweak match 23 for EPCR Challenge Cup

The Emirates Lions will look to shake off a disappointing outing last weekend in Glasgow as they shift their attention their EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 knockout clash against another Scottish outfit Edinburgh Rugby

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made a few adjustments to the side that ran out at the Scotstoun this past Saturday, with an aim to progress to the next phase of the Challenge Cup.

A notable inclusion for Friday’s night clash is that of Springbok Morne van den Berg. The nuggety scrumhalf joined the team last week after recovering from a finger injury which kept him out of his team’s last two Vodacom United Rugby Championship matches. Another change in the backline sees Rynhardt Jonker swop places with Marius Louw at inside centre, with the latter providing impact from the bench.

Amongst the forwards, Van Rooyen has opted for SJ Kotze as the starting loosehead, with Juan Schoeman having to come off the bench to possibly face his brother Pierre in the front row. Packing down next to Kotze is hooker Franco Marais who comes in for PJ Botha.

In the backrow, Jarod Cairns gets the nod ahead of JC Pretorius with the former national Sevens star providing impact from the bench if required.

Lions defence guru Jaque Fourie acknowledged earlier this week from the team’s base camp in the Scottish capital that his side needed to improve on all fronts if they are to overcome Sean Everitt’s Edinburgh.

“We have to be better in all areas,” said the former Springbok centre.

“Edinburgh are dangerous with the ball in hand, so we need to play heads-up rugby, he warned.

With the mentality now shifting to knockout rugby, Fourie emphasized the need to regroup and take on the next task.

“A week is a long time in rugby. We have a chance to reset and put things right in this knockout match. It’s a massive game for us and we have to perform at our best.

“We’ve learned our lessons. In these competitions, there are no easy games. We cannot underestimate anyone. We need to be at our best on Friday night,” he concluded.

Kick-off at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh is at 9pm (SA time)

Emirates Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morne van den Berg; 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarrod Cairns; 5 Darrien landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Izan Esterhuizen, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 JC Pretorius, 23 Marius Louw.