Lions make a pivotal change
Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:40
Lions coach Eugene Eloff made a number of critical changes to his team for their Currie Cup semifinal encounter with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
Top of the list is the decision to shift out-of-form Earl Rose from flyhalf to fullback and bring the trusty boot of Louis Strydom in to cover the pivotal role.
With Rose in the No.15 jersey, the hard-running Louis Ludik moves to the right wing and talented Michael Killian moves down to the replacement bench.
The bench shows one other change, with Derick Minnie providing loose forward cover and Wilhelm Koch dropping out of the matchday 22.
The Lions coach resisted the temptation to start with veteran Bok lock Jannes Labuschagne in the second row and went for the established combination of Franco van der Merwe and Anton van Zyl.
The forward pack that has been in such good form all season remains intact and know they will have a big job on their hands containing the star-studded Sharks selection.
Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Trompie Nontshinga, 10 Louis Strydom, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Justin Wheeler, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Lawrence Sephaka, 18 Jannes Labuschagne, 19 Derick Minnie, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Michael Killian, 22 Jaco van Schalkwyk.
Date: Saturday, October 11
Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 14.30 (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Touch judges: Deon van Blommestein, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Johann Meuwesen
