Golden Lions coach Eugene Eloff has made two changes to his side to take on the Vodacom Blue Bulls in their Currie Cup rugby match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
Eloff promoted prop Kenny Mackenzie to the starting line-up due to Heinke van der Merwe’s national call-up. Mackenzie’s place on the bench will be taken by JC Janse van Rensburg.
Lions lock Geo Cronje retains his place after pulling out of last weekend’s match against the Sharks when he failed a late fitness test. Franco van der Merwe, who performed admirably against the Sharks, is therefore relegated to the bench.
Eloff has also opted to retain Jaco van Schalkwyk in the number-10 jersey ahead of Louis Strydom, and he has shown faith in the centre pairing of Doppies le Grange and Jannie Boshoff who retain their places in the starting line-up.
The impressive loose trio of Willem Alberts, captain Ernst Joubert and last weekend’s man of the match, Cobus Grobbelaar, is unchanged.
In winger Wylie Human the Lions have an experienced campaigner to call on, and he and Emerging Bok flanker Solly Tybilika will be on the bench.
Eloff said the team are looking forward to the match. ”We will go into it humbly, but with great determination. We are anticipating a tough encounter but are ready for the game.” — Sapa