Lions name strong Currie Cup side for Pumas

Lions coach John Mitchell has named almost a Super Rugby side for their Currie Cup team to face the Pumas in Johannesburg on Friday.

Mitchell said his side would be looking to build on the momentum from the Super Rugby competition and, consequently, only made minor changes to the team.

Burton Francis takes over as flyhalf with both Elton Jantjies and Butch James away on Springbok duty.

Dylan des Fountain shifts from centre to wing in place of the injured Deon van Rensburg while Alwyn Hollenbach fills the gap wearing the number 13 jersey.

Hollenbach will be hoping to cement his place in the side before Springbok Waylon Murray recovers from injury in the next couple of weeks.

The Lions have selected their most effective forwards and will only be missing stalwart JC Janse van Rensburg, who has started at loose-head prop in every other match the team has played this year.

Lions Team:

Jaco Taute, Dylan des Fountain, Alwyn Hollenbach, Doppies la Grange (captain), Lionel Mapoe, Burton Francis, Jano Vermaak, Joshua Strauss, Derick Minnie, Franco van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden, Jacobie Adriaanse, Bandise Maku, Pat Cilliers.

Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, Caylib Oosthuizen, Johan Snyman, Dries van Schalkwyk, Michael Bondesio, Hein Cronje, Michael Killian.