Wolhuter returns to lead Lions attack against Benetton

The Emirates Lions are back in Johannesburg for the remainder of the regular Vodacom United Rugby Championship season in what will be a crucial four-week period for the franchise. Round 15 of the tournament sees Ivan van Rooyen’s side welcome Italian giants Benetton at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday.

Van Rooyen and his management have backed flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, who returns to the fold in place of Gianni Lombard. After being part of the group on the recent tour, Wolhuter will be tasked to drive his team’s attack against a Benetton side who are, just as the Johannesburg franchise, in the race for a play-off spot.

Speaking from the Lions’ training base in Doornfontein earlier this week, the team’s assistant coach Barend Pieterse challenged his side to limit costly mistakes ahead of Saturday and to make the most of opportunities presented to them.

“It’s us making small mistakes, and those small mistakes turn into points for the other team. We can be on the attack in the 22 and we lose the ball, and they go onto to score. A lot of the stuff is in our hands.”

The line-out coach further went on to say that playing at home brought a whole new energy and his side have put up big performances playing at Emirates Airline Park.

“We need to be up and we know we back ourselves with good performances at home,” he concluded.

Emirates Lions bruiser Ruan Venter predicts a fast game on Saturday saying that it’s the kind of game which suites his teammates.

“We know they like to run the ball, said the Venter. They are going to be giving us opportunities that suit our style of play. We are expecting a lot of ball in play and a high-tempo match.

“That style will help them but it will also suit us at Ellis Park. We are really excited for it,” the Springbok concluded.

In other team news, Zimbabwe Sables international Tapiwa Mafura starts on the right wing in place of the injured Richard Kriel. Youngster Kelly Mpeku provides backline cover on the bench alongside Nico Steyn. Saturday will also see explosive loose-forward Renzo du Plessis potentially get his opportunity against the Italians.

Kick-off is at 1.45pm.

Emirates Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe; 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Morne van den Berg; 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius; 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Renzo du Plessis, 23 Kelly Mpeku.

SATURDAY

Emirates Lions v Benetton

Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg – KO 12.45pm IRE & UK/1.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 65th league game)

AR 1: Griffin Colby (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)

TMO: Adam Jones (WRU)

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