Backline reshuffle for Lions

The Lions have made two changes for their clash against the Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.

Coach Johan Ackermann has decided to shuffle around his back three in a bid to counter the threat of the Waratahs lively attackers. JW Jonker will start at left wing in place of Anthony Volmink, who drops out of the 23.

Deon van Rensburg will slot in on the other wing, while Courtnall Skosan will start at fullback. Chrysander Botha, who started in the No 15 jersey in their narrow loss to the Highlanders last week, drops to the bench.

The forward pack, which has been working so well for them in recent weeks, remains unchanged.

Meanwhile the Waratahs have made just one change to their team. Will Skelton has been drafted in, as the Tahs look to combat the formidable Lions pack, with Jacques Potegieter expected to perform an impact role off the bench.

Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Matt Carraro, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Dave Dennis (c), 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Paddy Ryan, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Jacques Potgieter, 20 Stephen Hoiles, 21 Brendon McKibbin, 22 Alofa Alofa, 23 Taqele Naiyaravoro.

Lions – 15 Courtnall Skosan, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 JW Jonker, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Martin Muller, 4 MB Lusaseni, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Schalk van der Merwe.
Subs: 16 Armand van der Merwe, 17 Corné Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Rudi Mathee, 20 Warwick Tecklenburg, 21 Ross Cronjé, 22 Elton Jantjies, 23 Chrysander Botha.

Super Rugby teams (Round 14)

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