Lions try to outflank Scarlets with positional switch for Springbok Ruan Venter
Ruan Venter Ruan Venter will move from the flank to lock for the Lions against the Scarlets. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The Lions go into their latest 'do-or-die' clash against the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Sunday (3pm kickoff) minus stalwart scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, and with a positional switch for Springbok flanker Ruan Venter.
Nico Steyn will replace livewire Springbok Van den Berg, who has a hamstring injury, in the starting line-up against the Welsh visitors.
He will be expected to provide the spark for an exciting Lions backline that includes the elusive and dynamic Quan Horn at fullback, star centre Henco van Wyk and wings Richard Kriel and Edwill van der Merwe.
If their pack can help give them front-foot ball, then home fans could be in for a treat of running rugby.
Morné van den Berg Morné van den Berg will be sorely missed by the Lions against the Scarlets. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
They will have to cut out the unforced errors that have blighted their play at times this season, however.
Should they once again opt for the conservative game-plan that characterised their last match, then the strong boot of flyhalf Kade Wolhuter could prove telling for coach Ivan van Rooyen's side.
While Steyn is a like-for-like replacement for Van den Berg, whose leadership will be sorely missed, the decision to move Venter to lock has raised eyebrows.
Venter replaces Ruben Schoeman, who falls out of the match-23 altogether. He will pack down alongside Ruan Delport.
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The experienced Darrien Landsberg will provide lock cover on the bench, should the experiment falter. PJ Botha also provides experienced back-up at hooker.
Layton Horn provides scrumhalf cover, while Lubabalo Dobela can help out in a few backline positions.
The young Renzo du Plessis gets another chance to impress in the No 7 jersey, having been one of the stand-out players in the victory over Connacht in Johannesburg.
Hooker Jaco Visagie continues to skipper the side in the absence of regular captain and No 8 Francke Horn.
The Lions are seeking to build on their win over Connacht at home two weeks ago that ended a long losing streak and kept alive their slim playoff hopes.
But even with bonus-point wins in their last two games of the regular season, they can only reach 45 points.
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