Speedster Edwill van der Merwe returns for the Lions to face the Pumas in the Currie Cup at Mbombela Stadium on Friday.
Van der Merwe, who last played in a Man of the Match outing on debut for the Springboks in June, is one of three changes to the lineup that beat the Sharks in Durban last week.
He was released from the Bok camp on Wednesday – one of nine players sent to their provincial unions for possible game time before next week’s clash against Portugal in Bloemfontein – and starts on the right wing.
Also back with The Pride from international duty, Morne van den Berg will cover scrumhalf from the bench.
Junior Springbok Sam Francis is set to make his senior debut at flyhalf in place of Kade Wolhuter, who is ruled out due to an undisclosed injury.
New recruit Sibabalo Qoma is set to make his first appearance for the Lions in Nelspruit.
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“We’re excited for what promises to be an exciting clash,” head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi said. “We’re grateful for the positive start last week and hope to carry that form into this week.
“We’re alive to the fact that the Pumas will be tough opposition, particularly at home as they are a team that are well established and have cohesion, so no doubt they’ll be challenging.
“It’s also great to welcome back Edwill and Morne, who are in short supply of game time. Hopefully we can give them good game time and a good platform to earn Test caps next week for the Springboks.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
