Lions out to prove a point in Bulls cage

The Lions will be out to prove a point when they step into the bullring.

The Lions will take on Vodacom Bulls in a Super Rugby match on Saturday March 1 at Loftus Versveld.

The kick-off time is 17:05.

Whether the Lions will be able to put the history book aside and try and overcome a Bulls team, who has lost their first two encounters in this series is another question. Vodacom Bulls are back in front of their home crowd and they are on their territory, which makes it very difficult for a visiting team to pull off a win.

By now the near neighbours has worked out a plan to combat the Lions drop goal sensation and they will counter his onslaught with his boots.

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named his 23-man outfit to do battle with the Vodacom Bulls.

Ackermann has opted for consistency, making just two forced changes to the Lions’ starting XV, that derailed the DHL Stormers 34-10 last weekend.

The changes see Warwick Tecklenburg starting in the place of the injured Derick Minnie, and JW Jonker comes into the side after Alwyn Hollenbach was unable to pass a fitness test on Thursday. As a result of this change, Stefan Watermeyer shifts back to inside centre, with Jonker partnering with him at 13.

Meanwhile, on the wood, Willie Britz will provide loose-forward cover, having recovered from his hip flexor injury. Utility back Courtnall Skosan also comes in on the bench and will attempt to make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut.

The Lions team is:

15. Chrysander Botha

14. Deon van Rensburg

13. JW Jonker

12. Stefan Watermeyer

11. Ruan Combrinck

10. Marnitz Boshoff

9. Faf de Klerk

8. Warren Whiteley (c)

7. Warwick Tecklenburg

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. Willie Britz

21. Ross Cronje

22. Courtnall Skosan

23. Coenie van Wyk