Butch James starts at flyhalf for Sharks clash

Former Sharks flyhalf Butch James has been named at flyhalf for the Lions in their last Super Rugby match of the year.

The Lions have a by next week so the match this weekend in Johannesburg is their last for 2011.

Coach John Mitchell has dropped Elton Jantjies to the bench for the match and James’ place at centre is taken by Alwyn Hollenbach, who is promoted from the bench.

Lions captain Doppies la Grange remains at outside centre and Jaco Taute is at fullback.

In the forwards the Lions have reverted to the pack that was originally named to face the Hurricanes before Cobus Grobbelaar returned home because of a family bereavement.

Grobbelaar is bracketed at flank for the Sharks match with Jaco Kriel, who was flown out as replacement for the Hurricanes match.

At lock, Franco van der Merwe is expected to play after sustaining an eye injury last Saturday. He has however been bracketed with David de Villiers.

If Van der Merwe is unfit for the Sharks match, De Villiers will start with David Bulbring taking his place on the bench.

Another change on the bench is the selection of Michael Bondesio for Rory Kockott.

Lions :

Jaco Taute, Dylan Des Fountain, Doppies la Grange (capt.), Alwyn Hollenbach, Deon van Rensburg, Butch James, Jano Vermaak, Josh Strauss, Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar/Jaco Kriel, Franco van der Merwe/David de Villiers, Wikus van Heerden, Patric Cilliers, Bandise Maku, JC Janse van Rensburg.

Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle, Jacobie Adriaanse, David de Villiers/David Bulbring, Warren Whiteley, Michael Bondesio, Elton Jantjies, Michael Killian.