Jannie du Plessis Lions

Jannie du Plessis of the Lions. Photo: ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Edwill on debut, Jannie returns for Lions

Jannie du Plessis has been named on the Lions’ bench for the battle against the Stormers in the URC on Saturday.

Jannie du Plessis Lions

Jannie du Plessis of the Lions. Photo: ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Du Plessis has received widespread support from the Lions after tragically losing his son in a drowning accident last month, and was afforded the opportunity to take as much compassionate leave as required.

He now returns to the side, though, and will play off the bench this weekend.

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Lions stick with previously named team

Edwill van der Merwe will make his Lions debut against the Stormers, with coach Ivan van Rooyen having named an unchanged lineup from the side he selected to play against Cardiff last week before the fixture was cancelled.

Van der Merwe – who recently joined the Lions from the Stormers – starts on the right wing, while Willem Alberts and Tiaan Swanepoel will finally make their returns from long-term injuries.

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie 2, Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Matt More, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.