The Emirates Lions are back in Johannesburg for the remainder of the regular Vodacom United Rugby Championship season in what will be a crucial four-week period for the franchise. Round 15 of the tournament sees Ivan van Rooyen’s side welcome Italian giants Benetton at Emirates Airline Park this Saturday.

Van Rooyen and his management have backed flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, who returns to the mold in place of Gianni Lombard. After being part of the group on the recent tour, Wolhuter will be tasked to drive his team’s attack against a Benetton side who are, just as the Johannesburg franchise, in the race for a play-off spot.

Speaking from the Emirates Lions’ training base in Doornfontein earlier this week, the team’s assistant coach Barend Pieterse challenged his side to limit costly mistakes ahead of Saturday and to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.

“It’s us making small mistakes, and those small mistakes turn into points for the other team. We can be on the attack in the 22and we lose the ball, and they go onto to score. A lot of the stuff is in our hands.”

The lineout coach further went on to say that playing at home brought a whole new energy and his side have put up big performances playing at Emirates Airline Park.

“We need to be up, and we know we back ourselves with good performances at home,” he concluded.

Emirates Lions bruiser Ruan Venter predicts a fast game on Saturday saying that it’s the kind of game which suites his teammates.

“We know they like to run the ball, said the Venter.  They are going to be giving us opportunities that suit our style of play. We are expecting a lot of ball in play and a high-tempo match.

“That style will help them, but it will also suit us at Ellis Park. We are really excited for it,” the Springbok concluded.

In other team news, Zimbabwe Sables international Tapiwa Mafura starts on the right wing in place of the injured Richard Kriel. Youngster Kelly Mpeku provides backline cover on the bench alongside Nico Steyn. Saturday will also see explosive loose-forward Renzo du Plessis potentially get his opportunity against the Italians.

Kick-off is at 13:45.

Emirates Lions Match 23

1.           Juan Schoeman

2.           PJ Botha

3.           Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4.           Ruben Schoeman

5.           Darrien Landsberg

6.           JC Pretorius

7.           Ruan Venter

8.           Francke Horn (c)

9.           Morne van den Berg

10.         Kade Wolhuter

11.         Edwill van der Merwe

12.         Marius Louw

13.         Rynhardt Jonker

14.         Tapiwa Mafura

15.         Quan Horn

Replacements

16.         Jaco Visagie

17.         SJ Kotze

18.         RF Schoeman

19.         Ruan Delport

20.         Siba Qoma

21.         Nico Steyn

22.         Renzo du Plessis

23.         Kelly Mpeku