Lions do a ‘Pieter-Steph’ in switching Mostert

The Lions will try and emulate the Stormers and Springboks by converting a star lock into a blindside flanker.

In an interesting move, coach Swys de Bruin on Tuesday afternoon named Franco Mostert at No 7 for Saturday’s Super Rugby derby against the Bulls at Loftus.

A factor that certainly played a part in that decision is Kwagga Smith’s absence.

De Bruin confirmed that the diminutive but dynamic flanker has been granted compassionate leave for the week, meaning Cyle Brink switches into his No 6 jersey.

Despite Mostert having not played in the blindside position for ages, he arguably possesses the all-round game to be more than useful there.

At 1.98m, he’s actually marginally short for a lock and would fit the mould as a ball-carrying flanker.

The Springbok also frequently pops up as an attacker and would relish the chance to be even more involved in that regard.

De Bruin also responded to the threat of the Bulls’ meaty midfield pairing of Jesse Kriel and Burger Odendaal by handing Rohan Janse van Rensburg his first start of the season.

“Trokkie” (Little Truck) has previously tormented the Bulls on their home turf but might find the challenge sterner now as the Bulls grow under coach John Mitchell.

Lions: Andries Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza, Lionel Mapoe, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley (c), Franco Mostert, Cyle Brink, Marvin Orie, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen. Bench: Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith, Jacobie Adriaanse, Lourens Erasmus, Marnus Schoeman, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Harold Vorster, Madosh Tambwe.

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