Injuries rock Lions; EW Viljoen at No 10 against Warriors

The Lions have named a new-look matchday 23 for their United Rugby Championship match against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday with regular fullback EW Viljoen the surprise pick at flyhalf.

With Jordan Hendrikse out with a broken ankle and back-up No 10, loan player from the Pumas Eddie Fouche also injured, Viljoen will stand in at flyhalf for the match at Scotstoun Stadium.

Also at the back, centre Wandisile Simelane has been dropped to the bench, with Manual Rass coming in to partner captain Burger Odendaal in midfield.

There are also first starts in the URC for wing Stean Pienaar and fullback Divan Rossouw.

‘Massive blow’

“Injuries are a reality of the game,” said Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen.

“Losing both Jordan and Eddie is obviously a massive blow for us, meaning we had to make a few adjustments as we prepare for Saturday.

“With the COVID-19 regulations it’s been quite a challenge, however we are doing our best to cope with the situation. Hopefully now with the relaxation of the travel ban to the UK, in consultation with URC, we can get a replacement to join the squad as soon as possible.”

Van Rooyen went on to add that this would be an ideal opportunity for other members of the squad to take their chance.

“It also provides a few guys in the squad with an opportunity to showcase their talent against quality opposition in the URC,” he concluded.

There are also changes in the pack, with Jannie du Plessis and Sti Sithole starting at tighthead and loosehead respectively, with Ruhan Straeuli packing down at the back of the scrum.

Kick-off on Saturday is 4.05ppm (SA time).

Lions: Divan Rossouw, Stean Pienaar, Manuel Rass, Burger Odendaal (capt), Rabz Maxwane, EW Viljoen, Andre Warner, Ruhan Straeuli, Vincent Tshituka, Jaco Kriel, Pieter Janse van Vuren, Ruben Schoeman, Jannie du Plessis, Jaco Visagie, Sti Sithole. Bench: PJ Botha, Morgan Naude, Carlu Sadie, Reinhard Nothnagel, Sibusiso Sangweni, Morne van den Berg, Matt More, Wandisile Simelane