Elton Jantjies, 19-year-old flyhalf of the SA Under-20 side, will start for the Lions against the Blue Bulls in Saturday’s Currie Cup match at Coca-Cola Park.
In what will be his first start for the team, Jantjies replaces Herkie Kruger, and backline coach Carlos Spencer has been selected on the bench as cover for the flyhalf and fullback positions.
Jantjies has played for the Lions off the bench in the earlier Currie Cup matches and has impressed with his distribution and the speed he brings to the backline.
At centre Doppies la Grange is back from injury to start following his run from the bench last weekend. He has also been entrusted with the vice-captaincy. La Grange replaces Marius Delport who will be on the bench.
Up front, captain Franco van der Merwe moves from flank to lock in place of David Bulbring, with Trevor Hall promoted from the bench to take Van der Merwe’s place on the side of the scrum.
JC Janse van Rensburg is also fit after sitting out last weekend’s match against Griquas and will start as loosehead. Kevin Buys moves to tighthead in place of Ross Geldenhuys who is on the bench.
The team is:
Jaco Taute, Deon van Rensburg, Waylon Murray, Doppies la Grange, Michael Killian, Elton Jantjies, Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley, Trevor Hall, Derek Minnie, Franco van der Merwe, George Earle, Kevin Buys, Martin Bezuidenhout, JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle , Ross Geldenhuys, David Bulbring, Jaco Kriel, Chris Jonck, Carlos Spencer, Marius Delport.
