Goosen back to tackle Lions

Published on

Johan Goosen has replaced flyhalf Chris Smith in the Vodacom Bulls lineup to face the Lions in a mouthwatering derby in the Currie Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Goosen links up with scrumhalf Embrose Papier in the starting XV as the only change to the team that beat Griquas in Kimberley last week, with Smith moving to the replacements bench.

The Pretoria outfit will cross the Jukskei in search of a crucial victory over their neighbours in Johannesburg.

KEO: ‘SA rugby stars a beacon of light’

In the forwards, Gerhard Steenekamp (loosehead), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Mornay Smith (tighthead) are in the front row, as Ruan Nortje and Ruan Vermaak combine at lock. Marcell Coetzee starts at blindside flanker in a powerful loose trio with Nizaam Carr and Elrigh Louw.

The backline remains unchanged, with Marco Jansen van Vuren and Sibongile Novuka retained at left and right wing, respectively, while Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans line up at centre, with David Kriel at fullback.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Charlie Ewels, Cyle Brink, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith and Cornal Hendricks are set to make an impact off the wood.

Photo: Thinus Maritz/BackpagePix

Post by