Nkosi makes three changes to Lions lineup for WP clash

Fidelity ADT Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made three changes ahead of his sides Carling Currie Cup second round clash with the DHL Western Province. The Joburgers, fresh from their 46-5 demolition job against defending champions Hollywoodbets Sharks in Round One, will be looking to continue their winning ways against Labeeb Levy’s men at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Last season’s best player in the Carling Currie Cup Renzo du Plessis starts in the No 6 jersey in place of the injured Izan Esterhuizen. Other changes see talented hooker Marno Grobbelaar replace Morne Brandon on the bench with Siba Qoma filling the back row spot on the bench. Grobbelaar will be in line for his competition debut if called upon.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s classic clash, Du Plessis, who’s been part of Rassie Erasmus’ recent Springbok camps, says he is relishing a starting opportunity against a side he scored a hat-trick against the last time they met.

“Super excited to be starting this weekend,” said Du Plessis. “I’ve been working quite hard having not had much time off due to Springbok pre-season training commitments; so, while all the other guys were off, I was still training. My preparations have been going quite well for the Currie Cup so I’m excited and ready to go.”

In other news, last week’s debutant and try-scorer Angelo Davids fronts up to his former team at Ellis Park, with Qoma set to make his first appearance in this year’s edition of the competition as an impact player.

Kick-off in Johannesburg is at 3pm.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Rabz Maxwane; 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Jarod cairns, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Raynard Roets; RF Schoeman, 2 Jaco Visagie (capt), 1 Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16 Marno Grobbelaar, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 Heiko Pohlmann, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Kade Wolhuter, 23 Kellp Mpeku.

DHL Western Province starting XV: 15 Shilton van Wyk, 14 Sako Makata, 13 Luke Burger, 12 Damian Markus, 11 Jared Africa; 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Asad Moos; 8 Louw Nel, 7 Gideon van Wyk, 6 Zain Davids (capt); 5 Gary Porter, 4 Alex Groves; 3 Zachary Porthen, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Mhleli Khuzwayo, 18 Arno Gustafson, 19 Andre Goedhals, 20 Erhard Lambrecht, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Gino Cupido, 23 Tristan Leyds.

Fidelity ADT Lions v DHL Western Province - Saturday @ Ellis Park, Johannesburg (3pm)

Referee: Christopher Allison

Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby