Lions reveal an unchanged pride
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:01
Lions coach Eugene Eloff has named an unchanged starting XV for his team's Currie Cup crunch match against the defending champion Cheetahs in Johannesburg on Friday.
The only change to the matchday 22 is on the bench, where Ross Geldenhuys takes over from Gert Muller, to provide front row cover.
Eloff has had the luxury of continuity in selection in the last month and it has shown in the Lions' performances - with victories over Western Province and the Blue Bulls in their last two outings.
Following their 30-27 victory over the Blue Bulls in Pretoria a fortnight ago, the Lions know that "more of the same" should go a long way towards securing them a top four finish and ultimately their dream of a home semifinal.
But they will also be aware that the Cheetahs have beaten then in their last two encounters - 20-18 in last year's Final and 22-18 in their First Round match in Bloemfontein this year.
Lions: 15
Louis Ludik, 14 Michael Killian, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Rayno Benjamin, 10 Earl Rose, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Lawrence Sephaka, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Ross Geldenhuys, 18 Ernst Joubert, 19 Justin Wheeler, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Louis Strydom, 22 Jaco van Schalkwyk.
Date: Friday, August 22
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker
Touch judges: Francois Veldsman, Peet Badenhorst
TMO: Michael Cupido
