Storm in the tea cup for Lions

THE Lions have made two changes to their team to face the Stormers at home over the weekend.

The Lions will play the Stormers on Saturday February 22 at Ellis Park in a Super Rugby 15 clash.

The kick-off time is at 19:10.

The question is: Will the Stormers cook up a storm in the Lion’s den? The young team from the Lions has started their campaign on a high note and if they can follow through it will be enough to set them up in a good position on the South African log table.

In the midfield the new pair of Stefan Watermeyer and Alwyn Hollenbach will be facing the most experienced centre in the country, Jean de Villiers. He will also captain the Stormers.

“We will select each week the players who will meet our expectations for the next match,” said Head coach Johan Ackermann. “I think the Stormers are also a little bit unsettled by their injuries, but they are a quality side and a tough team.”

Ackermann has made just two changes to the Lions’ starting line-up. In the mid-field, Alwyn Hollenbach comes in at inside centre. Stefan Watermeyer shifts to 13, due to the injury sustained by Lionel Mapoe.

On the wood, MB Lusaseni is primed to make his Super Rugby debut as he comes into the side. “MB has shown me wrong and Iwe decided to select him as he is a good player and eager to learn,” said Ackermann.

JW Jonker is also a welcome inclusion and will provide cover as a utility back.

“It is amazing for us to have won our first Super 15 match, especially the players who made their debut.”

The Lions team is:

15. Chrysander Botha

14. Deon van Rensburg

13. Stefan Watermeyer

12. Alwyn Hollenbach

11. Ruan Combrinck

10. Marnitz Boshoff

9. Faf de Klerk

8. Warren Whiteley (c)

7. Derick Minnie

6. Jaco Kriel

5. Franco van der Merwe

4. Franco Mostert

3. Julian Redelinghuys

2. Robbie Coetzee

1. Schalk van der Merwe

16. Willie Wepener

17. Jacques van Rooyen

18. Ruan Dreyer

19. MB Lusaseni

20. Warwick Tecklenburg

21. Ross Cronje

22. JW Jonker

23. Coenie van Wyk