Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has named a strong 23-man squad for his side’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship opener against Irish outfit Ulster this Saturday at Emirates Airline Park.

Francke Horn leads the Johannesburg franchise in place of regular skipper Marius Louw who misses out due to injury after last week’s Currie Cup final. Kade Wolhuter gets the nod at flyhalf for what will be his maiden URC start since moving to Johannesburg. Also making their international debuts for the Emirates Lions are new signings Tapiwa Mafura, Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman and Siba Qoma. Renzo du Plessis, who had a sterling Currie Cup campaign also receives his first start.

Centre Henco van Wyk makes a welcome return to the match 23 after a lengthy time on the sidelines.

Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen says he expects an upbeat Ulster side after their victory against defending champions Glasgow Warriors in Round 1.

“It’s important for us to keep the momentum. We were happy with the momentum we took into the recent Currie Cup campaign and it’s important for us to keep that going into this year’s URC season.

“As a group we are really excited about the upcoming URC. There’s a great vibe and energy within the squad. We have six URC debutants featuring this weekend comprising of a combination new signings and guys from the recent Currie Cup.

“Ultimately, it’s important for us to start well at home this weekend against an Ulster team who beat the defending champions last weekend. We know they’ll arrive ready to go so we’ll be up for it,” he concluded.

Emirates Lions Match 23

1.           Morgan Naude

2.           PJ Botha

3.           Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4.           Reinard Nothnagel

5.           Darrien Landsberg

6.           Jarod Cairns

7.           Ruan Venter

8.           Francke Horn (c )

9.           Sanele Nohamba

10.         Kade Wolhuter

11.         Tapiwa Mafura

12.         Rynhardt Jonker

13.         Erich Cronje

14.         Rabz Maxwane

15.         Quan Horn

Replacements

16.         Franco Marais

17.         Juan Schoeman

18.         Conraad van Vuuren

19.         Ruben Schoeman

20.         Siba Qoma

21.         Renzo du Plessis

22.         Nico Steyn

23.         Henco van Wyk