Minnie starts at No 8 for Lions

Following last week’s 41-22 win over the EP Kings, Ackermann has opted largely for consistency in the Golden Lions backline.

Andries Coetzee will provide cover at fullback, while Ruan Combrinck will run out at left wing. Jaco van der Walt returns from injury and will start at flyhalf.

In the forwards, Derick Minnie will start at No 8 for this game and will also captain the side, while Willie Wepener starts in the hooker berth.

On the bench, Springbok Sevens flyer Mark Richards could make his Golden Lions debut should he get a run out.

Kick-off for Saturday's clash at Loftus Versfeld is scheduled for 19:10.

Teams:

Blue Bulls: TBA

Golden Lions:

15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Lionel Mapoe, 13. Stokkies Hanekom, 12. Alwyn Hollenbach, 11. Ruan Combrinck, 10. Jaco van der Walt, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Derick Minnie, 7. Warwick Tecklenburg, 6. Jaco Kriel, 5. Franco Mostert, 4. MB Lusaseni, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 2. Willie Wepener, 1. Schalk van der Merwe

Substitutes: 16. Armand van der Merwe, 17. Jacques van Rooyen, 18. Martin Muller, 19. Willie Britz, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Mark Richards, 22. Howard Mnisi