Springbok lock Willem Alberts is set to start in the second row for the Emirates Lions ahead of their Round 9 Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) encounter against the Vodacom Bulls this Saturday.

He replaces Pieter Jansen van Vuren who suffered a pectoral muscle injury during training this week. This means that former Junior Springbok Ruan Venter, fresh from Carling Currie Cup duty, could get an opportunity off the bench in the eagerly anticipated Jukskei Derby.

Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen:

“I feel for Pieter. He worked so hard to come back from his knee injury he suffered on tour. We wish him a speedy recovery from this latest setback. The opportunity now awaits Ruan who’s had a fantastic past few months, including a SA Rugby U20 Cup winner’s medal. He could possibly get his chance on Saturday.

“Providing opportunities to young players is a common theme for us here at the franchise and it’s something we pride ourselves in. In the same breath, the entire squad buys into what we are trying to achieve in the VURC , so everyone plays a key part towards that goal.”

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Tshituka wears the seven jersey, with PJ Botha coming in at hooker for the injured Jaco Visagie.

Morne Brandon, Ruhan Straeuli and Sibusiso Sangweni complete the new additions to the replacements.

Still haven’t got your tickets for this weekend clash between the Emirates Lions & Vodacom Bulls at the Park?

Head over to https://t.co/nmNFgY4a2C to secure your seats today! #LionsPride @vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/AWsH2QSqXv

— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 26, 2022

Emirates Lions

15. EW Viljoen 14.Edwill van der Merwe 13. Wandisile Simelane 12. Burger Odendaal (c) 11. Sibahle Maxwane 10. Fred Zeilinga 9. Andre Warner 8. Francke Horn 7. Emmanuel Tshituka 6. Jaco Kriel (vc) 5. Willem Alberts 4. Ruben Schoeman 3. Carlu Sadie 2. PJ Botha 1. Sti Sithole Replacements: 16. Morne Brandon 17. Morgan Naude 18. Ruan Dreyer 19. Ruan Venter 20. Ruhan Straeuli 21. Sibusiso Sangweni. 22.Morne van den Berg 23. Tiaan Swanepoel.