Emirates Lions Team Announcement

Fresh after a bye week, the Emirates Lions head into their Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA match against the Cell C Sharks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday, 5 June.

In keeping with the theme of consistency, coach Ivan van Rooyen opted for the same match 23 bar Manuel Rass, who is replaced by Dan Kriel.

Going into their third home game in this competition, the Lions will take inspiration from their last performance on home soil. A look at the stats from the tournament highlight two Lions players who have had sterling performances. EW Viljoen is second on the list with his 43 carries, just one behind the 44 of Damian Willemse, while MJ Pelser, together with Lukhanyo Am are the turn-over kings with their four each.

The iconic Stadium has never looked better, and preparations are well underway for the British and Irish Lions.

The Emirates Lions host the greatest Touring Rugby team in the world on 3 July.

The Rainbow Cup SA match between the Emirates Lions and Cell C Sharks kicks off at 16:00.

Emirates Lions: EW Viljoen; Rabz Maxwane, Wandisile Simelane, Burger Odendaal (capt), Courtnall Skosan; Jordan Hendrikse, André Warner; Len Massyn, Vincent Tshituka, MJ Pelser; Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruben Schoeman, Carlu Sadie, Jaco Visagie, Sti Sithole. Replacements: PJ Botha, Ruan Dreyer, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Willem Alberts, Emmanuel Tshituka, Morné van den Berg, Fred Zeilinga, Dan Kriel