Emirates Lions head coach, Ivan van Rooyen named a new-look match 23 ahead of his team’s third round Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) fixture against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday.

EW Viljoen covers the flyhalf position as a result of injuries to both Jordan Hendrikse and Eddie Fouche.

Only 2️⃣ more DAYS until we get to face @GlasgowWarriors at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow!#LionsPride @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/jgRJs3ZqKP

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) October 7, 2021

Also at the back, Stean Pienaar, Divan Rossouw and centre, Manuel Rass picks up their first starts of the tour.

“Injuries are a reality of the game,” said Van Rooyen.

“Losing both Jordan and Eddie is obviously a massive blow for us, meaning we had to make a few adjustments as we prepare for Saturday.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lions Rugby Company (@lionsrugbyco)

“With the COVID-19 regulations it’s been quite a challenge, however we are doing our best to cope with the situation. Hopefully now with the relaxation of the travel ban to the UK, in consultation with URC, we can get a replacement to join the squad as soon as possible.”

Van Rooyen went on to add that this would be an ideal opportunity for other members of the squad to take their chance.

“It also provides a few guys in the squad with an opportunity to showcase their talent against quality opposition in the VURC,” he concluded.

Upfront, Jannie du Plessis and Sti Sithole start at tighthead and loosehead respectively, with Ruhan Straeuli packing down at the back of the scrum.

Kick-off is at 16:05 (SA time).

Emirates Lions

1 Sti Sithole

2 Jaco Visagie

3 Jannie du Plessis

4 Ruben Schoeman

5 Pieter Janse van Vuren

6 Jaco Kriel

7 Vincent Tshituka

8 Ruhan Straeuli

9 Andre Warner

10 EW Viljoen

11 Rabz Maxwane

12 Burger Odendaal ©

13 Manuel Rass

14 Stean Pienaar

15 Divan Rossouw

Replacements

16 PJ Botha

17 Morgan Naude

18 Carlu Sadie

19 Reinhard Nothnagel

20 Sibusiso Sangweni

21 Morne van den Berg

22 Matt More

23 Wandisile Simelane

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lions Rugby Company (@lionsrugbyco)