Rohan returns to boost Lions

SOUTH Africa’s leading inside centre in Super Rugby and perhaps in the whole competition, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, will be unleashed in the Currie Cup on Friday when the Lions travel to Pretoria to take on the Blue Bulls.

The 21-year-old, who many feel should be wearing the Springbok No 12 jersey after his powerful displays for the Lions, is back in action after resting for the last four weeks. Van Rensburg hurt his neck and shoulder in the Super Rugby final against the Hurricanes in Wellington on August 6.

After starring in the No 12 jersey in Super Rugby, with Lionel Mapoe on his outside and Elton Jantjies at flyhalf, he will now feature at outside centre, with Howard Mnisi operating at inside centre.

Janse van Rensburg’s return to the Lions team is one of 11 changes to the side that thumped Boland 60-12 last weekend.

Also in the Currie Cup team for the first time this season is SA Sevens star and Rio Olympic Games bronze medallist, Kwagga Smith.

He’ll play in the No 6 jersey as the fetcher flank and be supported by Cyle Brink and Ruan Ackermann, who shifts back to eighthman after playing at lock last week.

“It’s nice having Rohan back after he sat out with a few niggles, and Kwagga, too, after the Olympic Games,” said coach Johan Ackermann yesterday.

“There are other players who’ve come back into the mix, like Jacques van Rooyen, Courtnall Skosan and Lourens Erasmus, and they’ll benefit the team for our trip to Loftus.

“The Bulls in Pretoria is always a big challenge, but we’re looking forward to what should be an exciting game.”

Andries Ferreira and Sylvian Mahuza weren’t considered because of injury.

The Bulls are coming off a defeat by the Sharks which has left them with a return of two wins from four matches so far.

The Lions are two from three.

The match on Friday kicks off at 7pm. LIONS STARTING XV: Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Howard Mnisi, Anthony Volmink, Marnitz Boshoff, Ross Cronjé, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Kwagga Smith, Lourens Erasmus, Martin Muller, Jacques van Rooyen, Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith; REPLACEMENTS: Armand van der Merwe, Corné Fourie, Victor Sekekete, Fabian Booysen, Dillon Smit, Jaco van der Walt, Jacques Nel