Lions to hog Bok starting berths

Super Rugby form justifies role in 2nd test against France

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee is expected to announce a team today of no less than eight Lions players in the starting line-up for the second test against France at Kings Park on Saturday.

Lionel Mapoe, who is fit after he missed the first test against France with a hamstring strain, will fill the void left by the injured Jesse Kriel at outside centre, joining teammates

Andries Coetzee, with the combinations from the first test in Pretoria, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert and captain Warren Whiteley will be the Lions players among the forwards.

The Lions have been the most successful South African team in Super Rugby so far this season and have won 12 out of their 13 matches.

They also boast a highly impressive run of 10 successive wins.

Bok assistant coach Franco Smith said the dominance of the Lions players in the national team is justified because not only have they been doing very well for their Super Rugby team, they are currently the best in their respective positions.

“I think on merit the Lions players have been doing well and they deserve their starting spots at this stage. Some of them are the best players available at this stage in their positions,” said Smith.

Smith shared coach Coetzee’s sentiments that they are unlikely to make too many

changes.