Lubabalo Dobela to lead Lions attack in final URC match

Lubabalo Dobela to lead Lions attack in final URC match

It's a brave new world for head coach Ivan van Rooyen as he revealed his matchday squad for the United Rugby Championship Round 18 clash against the Ospreys in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Van Rooyen has named the inexperienced Lubabalo Dobela at flyhalf for their final URC match of the season. Dobela - a former Junior Springbok and Blitzboks player - will spearhead the Lions' attack against the Welsh side.

Dobela made his debut for the Johannesburg franchise earlier this year and has made a few cameo appearances in recent matches.

Elsewhere, Ruan Venter continues his role at flank, while Saturday also sees the return of loosehead prop Juan Schoeman.

Talented centre Henco van Wyk returns to outside centre after being a last-minute omission last week due to illness.

Finally, Bok bolter Edwill van der Merwe and centre Marius Louw (off the bench) will make their final appearances in Lions colours on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 17:15.

Lions - 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Renzo du Plessis, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Ruan Venter, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie (c), 1 Juan Schoeman.

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Izan Esterhuizen, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Kelly Mpeku.