Lions get Bok boost for Sharks duel

07/26/2024 04:38 AM

Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter returns to strengthen the Lions pack for the Currie Cup clash against the Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Lions face the Sharks at Ellis Park in round 4 of this year's edition of rugby's oldest competition. The teams last met in the opening week of the tournament in Durban, with The Pride edging their hosts 26-25.

Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made two changes to the Lions starting XV from last week’s victory over Griquas.

Tighthead prop Conrad van Vuuren replaces RF Schoeman, who drops to the bench.

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Venter, who made his Test debut as a replacement against Portugal in Bloemfontein last week, starts at blindside flanker in a powerful loose trio with Jarod Cairns and Ruhan Straeuli.

Etienne Oosthuizen is set to provide cover at lock in the only change among the substitutes.

"We were happy with the win last week against Griquas, but it was far from a satisfactory performance on our part,” Nkosi said.

“We've worked on one or two things ahead of the Sharks this weekend so hopefully we can make the people of Joburg proud.

"Looking back at our first encounter against the Sharks in round 1, they went down albeit narrowly to us, so they'll probably feel like they owe us one. We've got to be up for it come Saturday."

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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