Currie Cup
Spencer on bench for Lions
2010-07-29 13:25
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Johannesburg - There can hardly be a more daunting prospect than a first start in a Currie Cup match against defending champions Blue Bulls, but that is exactly what awaits the Lions' 19-year-old Baby Boks flyhalf Elton Jantjies, in Saturday's clash at Coca-Cola Park.
Jantjies has had only the few starts from the bench in this year's first three rounds of the Currie Cup as experience at this level, but Lions coach John Mitchell, has given the youngster the thumbs up in place of the experienced Herkie Kruger.
Kruger was steadiness personified and Mr Reliable with his goal kicking. The pace that Jantjies brought to the backline with his snappy distribution was, however, noticeable when he came on as replacement and his inclusion must be seen as another step in the rebuilding of the Lions side.
Lions backline coach Carlos Spencer has been selected on the bench as cover for the flyhalf and fullback positions. It will be his first Currie Cup match if he is called on to play.
At centre Doppies la Grange is back from injury to start following his run from the bench last weekend. He has also been entrusted with the vice-captaincy. La Grange replaces Marius Delport who will be on the bench.
Up front, captain Franco van der Merwe moves from flank to lock in place of David Bulbring, with Trevor Hall promoted from the bench to take Van der Merwe's place on the side of the scrum.
JC Janse van Rensburg is also fit after sitting out last weekend's match against Griquas and will start as loosehead. Kevin Buys moves to tighthead in place of Ross Geldenhuys who is on the bench.
Lions:
15. Jaco Taute, 14. Deon van Rensburg, 13. Waylon Murray, 12. Doppies la Grange, 11. Michael Killian, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Warren Whiteley, 7. Trevor Hall, 6. Derek Minnie, 5. Franco van der Merwe, 4. George Earle, 3. Kevin Buys, 2. Martin Bezuidenhout, 1. JC Janse van Rensburg
Replacements: 16. Edgar Marutlulle, 17. Ross Geldenhuys, 18. David Bulbring, 19. Jaco Kriel, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Carlos Spencer, 22. Marius Delport