Lions ring the changes for Western Force clash

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has made sweeping changes to the side that lost to the Waratahs for this week’s Super Rugby match against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

In the forwards, Ackermann has made six changes, including wholesale changes to the front row.

Corne Fourie, Armand van der Merwe and Ruan Dreyer all move into the starting front row berths, with Rudi Mathee and Franco Mostert the selections at lock.

Warwick Tecklenburg is also promoted from the bench and joins the loose-forward trio for the game.

Meanwhile, in the backline, Ross Cronje will start at scrumhalf. Anthony Volmink comes into the starting XV at left wing.

Alwyn Hollenbach has been drafted in at inside centre while Deon van Rensburg will cover the outside centre berth.

Coenie van Wyk will run out at fullback.

Lions

15. Coenie van Wyk ,14. JW Jonker ,13. Deon van Rensburg,12. Alwyn Hollenbach,11. Anthony Volmink ,10. Marnitz Boshoff,9. Ross Cronje ,8. Warren Whiteley (c),7. Warwick Tecklenburg ,6. Jaco Kriel,5. Franco Mostert ,4. Rudi Mathee,3. Ruan Dreyer,2. Armand van der Merwe,1. Corne Fourie

Replacements : 16. Robbie Coetzee,17. Jacques van Rooyen,18. Julian Redelinghuys,19. Willie Britz ,20. Stephan de Wit,21. Faf de Klerk,22. Elton Jantjies,23. Stefan Watermeyer