• Reinhard Nothnagel leads the Emirates Lions against the Vodacom Bulls.
• Marius Louw makes his official debut for his new franchise.
• Saturday sees the return to the Emirates Lions of Springbok Andries Coetzee and exciting playmaker Gianni Lombard.

The Emirates Lions will host the Vodacom Bulls in their opening fixture of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this Saturday at Emirates Airline Park.

The starting XV sees centre Marius Louw make his official debut for the franchise as well as the return of Springbok Andries Coetzee, who rejoined the men from Johannesburg from Italian outfit Benetton Rugby during the pre-season.

Elsewhere amongst the replacements, playmaker Gianni Lombard, also returning the to franchise, will have an opportunity to make an impact off the bench. The brothers Smith and Zander du Plessis also form part of the list of players tasked to make a difference when required.

Emirates Lions Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen:

“We’re quite excited about the team we’ve selected as we open our account against the Bulls this weekend.”

 “Pre-season was good for us as it gave us an opportunity reflect and plan for the season. We’ve closes to three months connecting as a squad. I’m excited to see this team reach their full potential not only on Saturday but throughout the season.”

 “Jukskei Derbies over the years have always produced incredible rugby and Saturday will be no different. Fans are sure to be in for a spectacular day of rugby at Emirates Lions Park.”

Kick-off is at 16:05.

Emirates Lions Match 23

1. Sti Sithole
2. PJ Botha
3. Ruan Dreyer
4. Ruan Venter
5. Reinhard Nothnagel ( c)
6. Sibusiso Sangweni
7. Ruhan Straeuli
8. Franke Horn
9. Morne van den Berg
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Quan Horn
12. Marius Louw
13. Henco van Wyk
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Andries Coetzee

 Substitutes

16. Jaco Visagie
17. JP Smith
18. Ruan Smith
19. Pieter Jansen van Vuren
20. Emmanuel Tshituka
21. Sanele Nohamba
22. Gianni Lombard
23. Zander du Plessis

 Vodacom Bulls (TBA)