JOHANNESBURG - Versatile back Lionel Mapoe will run out in the No 14 jersey when the Lions open their 2017 Super Rugby account against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
His selection on the right wing - to fill the position occupied last year by the injured Ruian Combrinck – is the only surprise in an otherwise very familiar looking Lions side.
The other faces missing from what would be close to a first choice side a year ago are those of prop Julian Redelinghuys (injured) and flank Warwick Tecklenburg (retired).
Coach Johan Ackermann said it was easy to pick Mapoe on the wing.
“He’s a quality player with a lot of skill … he can play on the left and right hand side,” explained Ackermann. “Lionel’s one of the hardest workers in the team and at 14 you need to work hard … I think he fits the position perfectly. He’s a great ball-carrier and a strong defender.
“But I also know it’s going to be tough to make a selection there when Ruan comes back … especially as there is also so much competition in the centres too.”
Mapoe’s outside centre slot has gone to Howard Mnisi with Rohan Janse van Rensburg taking control of the No 12 jersey. Another contender to play in the Lions midfield, Harold Vorster, has to be satisfied with a spot on the bench this week, while Jacques Nel misses out completely.
Ruan Ackermann has won the race to the number seven jersey, while Ruan Dreyer will fill Redelinghuys’ shoes at tighthead prop.
Among the replacements, former Border prop Johannes Jonker gets an immediate opportunity to show what he can do, while Kwagga Smith will provide speed and skill from the bench.
The match against the Cheetahs kicks off at 3pm Saturday.
Lions:
Andries Coetzee, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (capt), Ruan Ackermann, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen. Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Lourens Erasmus, Kwagga Smith, Ross Cronje, Harold Vorster, Jaco van der Walt