Lions name side for Jukskei derby against Bulls as Springbok duo return

The Lions have made a perfect start to the competition with two wins from two and will be looking to build on that form against a Bulls side they defeated 43-33 at Loftus last season.

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen knows, however, that the Bulls will provide a different challenge despite their defeat to Munster last weekend, and believes his side will need to be ready for the test in Pretoria.

"Accuracy is going to be massive going into the Bulls fixture," he warned.

"It's a typical derby; so it's going to be massive set piece and huge physicality. The Bulls have shown in recent performances that they want to play a little bit more which makes them more dangerous going into the weekend."

Van Rooyen's assistant and scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys echoed the views, saying that SA derbies and set piece dominance tend to determine the result of the game.

"These are two proud packs of forwards," the former Springbok prop said. "When you play against a South African team, you can be sure that the levels of intensity will be higher, especially in the set-pieces."

In team news, the Lions have made several changes for Saturday's clash, including a new-look lock pairing of Dylan Sjoblom and Hyron Andrews.

There are also three changes in the backline, with Springboks Morne van den Berg and Quan Horn starting at scrumhalf and fullback respectively while Richard Kriel moves to the wing in place of the injured Erich Cronje.

Ethan Adams starts alongside Henco van Wyk, who returns after missing last week's match as a precaution following a head injury.

The Lions bench could provide a boost of power and pace through Batho Hlekani and Siba Mahashe, while Nico Steyn provides halfback cover.

Kick-off at Loftus Versfeld is at 13:30.

Lions -  15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Henco van Wyk 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg,  8 Francke Horne (C), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Hyron Andrews,  4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter. 

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 JP du Preez, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.

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