Good doctor returns for Lions’ trip to Durban for URC clash

The Lions will look to make it five in a row when they face the Sharks in Durban on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

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The Johannesburg-based side named a match-23 which features experienced scrummager Jannie du Plessis, who will face his former franchise for the return leg of the tournament.

Among the replacements, talented flank Jarod Cairns, who has shown consistent performances in the Carling Currie Cup for the Lions, could get his opportunity off the bench.

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Lions forwards and lineout coach Albert van den Berg, who himself appeared over a hundred times for the Durbanites across all competitions, earlier this week outlined what his team can expect ahead of the URC derby.

“I think it will be a forward dominated battle, particularly when it comes to scrums and mauls,” said Van den Berg.

“Their kicking game is also quite a powerful weapon, so that’s an element we’ve prepared for in our sessions this week. If we can counter those aspects successfully, we feel we’re in with a shout come Saturday.”

The match kicks off at 16:05 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

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SHARKS V LIONS

TEAMS

Sharks

15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Reniel Hugo, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Le Roux Roets, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain

Lions

15 Quan Horn, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Manuel Rass, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Francke Horn, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (captain), 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole

Substitutes: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 JP Smith, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Sibusiso Sangweni, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Henco van Wyk, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel