Lions sweat on Van Heerden for season opener

Lions coach John Mitchell has named lock Wikus van Heerden in his Super Rugby team to face the Cheetahs this weekend even though the former captain is nursing a knee injury.

With Van Heerden being in doubt Mitchell has pencilled in Hendrik Roodt who will make his debut for the Lions if Van Heerden fails to recover in time.

Hooker Callie Visagie and Tian Meyer are set to make their debuts for the Lions while Stephan Greeff will make his debut if he comes off the bench.

At the team announcement it was unclear whether Jacobie Adriaanse or CJ van der Linde would start from the bench.

Lions

Jaco Taute, Deon van Rensburg, Doppies le Grange, Alwyn Hollenbach, James Kamana, Elton Jantjies, Michael Bondesio, Joshua Strauss (captain), Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe, Wikus van Heerden/ Hendrik Roodt, Patric Cilliers, Callie Visagie, JC Janse van Rensburg.

Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, Jacobie Adriaanse/ CJ van der Linde, Hendrik Roodt / Stephan Greeff, Warren Whiteley, Tian Meyer, Butch James, Lionel Mapoe.