Stars back to boost Lions
LIONS: COACH VAN ROOYEN UNLEASHES RETURNING STARS
Stormers mentor John Dobson selects a Springbok-laden run-on side for the pipe-opener.
Lions coach Cash van Rooyen is excited with the return of former stars like flank Jaco Kriel and prop Ruan Dreyer to the Lions pride ahead of tomorrow’s Super Fan Saturday clash against the Stormers at Loftus Versveld.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies was named as the captain, as the head coach opted to name a squad of 30 players, with the 15 non-starters to be used as rolling substitutions.
“It’s great to have some of the old guys back, some previous Lions guys and some new ones, and they are all excited to get going again after such a long break,” said Van Rooyen.
“They have definitely brought some calm heads, but it’s also nice to see how they understand the system and work with the rest of the team members,” Van Rooyen added.
In what looks like a formidable starting lineup, the Lions have selected new signings like fullback Divan Rossouw, centre Burger Odendaal and wing Rabz Maxwane.
Kriel makes his return on the flank after two seasons away, where he will be joined in the runon side by Dreyer at tighthead and Jaco Visagie at hooker.
The inclusion of former Bulls fullback Warrick Gelant as one of eight Springboks dominated the Stormers team announcement yesterday.
Stormers coach John Dobson didn’t hesitate to include Gelant for their match-up against the Lions, which follows after the Bulls and Sharks match.
“We are looking forward to seeing some new faces and how they go against a quality Lions side,” Dobson said.
“We cannot wait to get there and take the next step as we build towards the new competition which kicks off next month,” he said.
Aside from Gelant and the absence of flank Pieter-Steph du Toit due to injury, Dobson has included all his World Cup-winners in a Siya Kolisi-led side.
Gelant will make his first appearance for the Stormers at his old stomping ground after making the move from Pretoria to Cape Town.
Gelant is joined by fellow Boks Damian Willemse, Herschel Jantjies, Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Scarra Ntubeni and Steven Kitshoff, with Bongi Mbonambi among the replacements.