Lions ring the changes as they seek to end losing streak against Benetton

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made several strategic changes to the matchday squad ahead of their encounter with Italian side Benetton Rugby, as the Johannesburg-based outfit seeks to rejuvenate their faltering campaign.

Currently 14th on the URC standings with 30 points, the Lions are in urgent need of a positive result to stay in contention for a potential playoff push. Their opponents, Benetton, arrive in South Africa occupying seventh position on the log with 36 points and are looking to consolidate their place in the top eight.

One of the most notable changes sees Kade Wolhuter entrusted with the No. 10 jersey, replacing Gianni Lombard, who drops out of the matchday 23 entirely. Although Wolhuter was part of the Lions' recent European tour, he did not feature on the field. He will now be responsible for orchestrating the backline attack against a Benetton side boasting 11 international players in their travelling squad.

Injuries have prompted further changes in the back division. Zimbabwean international Tapiwa Mafura replaces the injured Richard Kriel on the right wing, while a reconfigured midfield sees Marius Louw slot in at inside centre. Rynhardt Jonker shifts to outside centre following the injury to Manuel Rass.

There are also significant tactical adjustments among the forwards. JC Pretorius returns to the starting XV at openside flank, replacing Jarod Cairns, while Currie Cup Player of the Year Renzo du Plessis is named among the replacements and is expected to bring impact off the bench.

In the front row, PJ Botha starts at hooker in place of Franco Marais, with Juan Schoeman selected at loosehead prop ahead of SJ Kotze.

The Lions' bench includes young utility back Kelly Mpeku and scrumhalf Nico Steyn, both of whom provide dynamic options for Van Rooyen should the game require fresh impetus in the second half.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marius Low, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Renzo du Plessis, 23 Kelly Mpeku.

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