• Springbok Jaco Kriel returns to the starting XV after a lengthy period on the sidelines.
• Darrien Landsberg makes his debut for the Emirates Lions in the number seven jersey.
• Francke Horn and Ruhan Straeuli not considered due to injury

• Emirates Lions gunning for a second straight home victory on Sunday

Springbok Jaco Kriel makes a return to the Emirates Lions starting XV for Sunday afternoon’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) match against the Scarlets at Emirates Airline Park. The powerful loose-forward will wear his regular six jersey after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury.

Flanker Darrien Landsberg makes his VURC debut for the franchise, forming a dynamic loose-trio combination with Kriel and the athletic Emmanuel Tshituka.

The Joburg side will be looking at claiming a second successive victory in front of their home fans after a 33-25 win against Welsh outfit Dragons last Sunday.

Emirates Lions team boss Ivan Rooyen has identified the attacking nature of the Scarlets team and has prepared his side for a dynamic encounter in what is predicted to be sweltering conditions.

“We know Scarlets are a team who enjoy attacking and keeping ball in play. If you look at their game against the DHL Stormers last week, the last 15-20 minutes featured plenty attack from them which puts teams under huge defensive pressure,” cautioned van Rooyen”

“Reflecting on our fixture against them last year, we learnt huge defensive lessons and it’s something we’ve taken stock of ahead of Sunday,” he added.

Van Rooyen has challenged his troops to explore attacking options rather than to defend for long periods.

“It’s important for us not to sit back and try defend their attacking game but also see how our attacking game can put them under pressure. They are a team that keeps the ball in play, so I think it will be a great running spectacle on Sunday, which will be great for fans,” he concluded.

Kick-off is at 13:30

Emirates Lions

1. Sti Sithole
2. PJ Botha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Ruben Schoeman
5. Reinhard Nothnagel (c)
6. Jaco Kriel
7. Darrien Landsberg
8. Emmanuel Tshituka
9. Sanele Nohamba
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Edwill van der Merwe
12. Marius Louw
13. Henco van Wyk
14. Rabz Maxwane
15. Quan Horn

Replacements

16. Jaco Visagie
17. JP Smith
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye
19. Ruan Venter
20. Sibusiso Sangweni
21. Andre Warner
22. Gianni Lombard
23.  Zander du Plessis