Lions coach Ackermann swings the axe for Stormers

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has swung the axe and made changes to his starting line up and replacements bench for this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Stormers in Johannesburg.

The Lions have played two matches so far this season and they have lost both so Ackermann has made big changes to tun the team around.

“We had to be honest with ourselves this week, ” said Ackermann. “There were some harsh words said. We weren’t happy with our performance. “

In the forwards, Schalk van der Merwe, Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys all start while Jaco Kriel returns from his minor groin injury at flank.

Meanwhile, in the backline, Faf de Klerk has been named at scrumhalf with Elton Jantjies partnering with him at flyhalf.

Sampie Mastriet will play his first Super Rugby game for the Lions as he runs out at left wing.

Harold Vorster will also celebrate his first Super Rugby start at centre.

Most notably on the bench, Jaco van der Walt has been called up to cover the flyhalf position. He will celebrate his Super Rugby debut should he run on.

Speaking about Marnitz Boshoff being dropped from the match day team completely Ackermann said, “It’s a process with Marnitz. We have a lof of confidence in him. “

“We want to see what we’ve got with Elton and Jaco, ” Ackermann told EWNsport.

“For Elton, I feel it’s time for him. I also need to make some decisions ahead of tour so Sampie and Harold start. “

Lions

15. Andries Coetzee , 14. Ruan Combrinck , 13. Lionel Mapoe , 12. Harold Vorster , 11. Sampie Mastriet , 10. Elton Jantjies , 9. Faf de Klerk , 8. Warren Whiteley (c) , 7. Warwick Tecklenburg , 6. Jaco Kriel , 5. Martin Muller , 4. Franco Mostert , 3. Julian Redelinghuys , 2. Robbie Coetzee , 1. Schalk van der Merwe

Replacements : 16. Armand van der Merwe , 17. Corne Fourie , 18. Ruan Dreyer , 19. Robert Kruger , 20. Derick Minnie , 21. Ross Cronje , 22. Jaco van der Walt , 23. Howard Mnisi