Lions struck by injuries

Johannesburg - The Lions have been struck by more injuries and will take the field against the Western Force at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday without another one of their of their standout players in their winless campaign.

In addition to Todd Clever and Doppies la Grange, who have both undergone operations and missed last weekend's match against the Bulls, livewire lock Franco van der Merwe has been ruled out because of a lower back injury. Van der Merwe is replaced by George Earl who will lock the scrum with Nico Luus.

In another change up front, Ross Geldenhuys takes over from Gert Muller at tighthead. Muller has a chest injury.

Centre Marius Delport's hamstring is still troublesome and he will be replaced by Emerging Springbok Deon van Rensburg, while Tonderai Chavhanga returns on the wing in place of Wandile Mjekevu.

The young winger is not available for the duration of the Super 14 competition. Lions coach Dick Muir had requested Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu assist the youngster, who only turned 19 in January, with aspects such as his decision-making, defence and general skills at the Sevens training camp in Stellenbosch.

Mjekevu showed exceptional promise in his first big outing but will not be considered for the national Sevens side's last two tournaments of the year because of his commitment to the national Under-20s who play in the World Championships in Argentina in June.

Chavhanga's place on the bench will be taken by Bernardo Botha, who like Jaco Taute (bracketed with Wigan Pekeur) gets his first taste of Super 14 rugby off the bench.

Teams:

Lions:

15. Carlos Spencer, 14. Michael Killian, 13. Deon van Rensburg, 12. Walter Venter, 11. Tonderai Chavhanga, 10. Herkie Kruger, 9. Jano Vermaak, 8. Derick Minnie, 7. Wikus van Heerden, 6. Cobus Grobbelaar, 5. Nico Luus, 4. George Earl, 3. Ross Geldenhuys, 2. Charles Emslie, 1. JC Janse van Rensburg

Substitutes: 16. Hannes Franklin, 17. Heinke van der Merwe, 18. Jacques Lombard, 19. Justin Wheeler, 20. Jacques Coetzee, 21. Jaco Taute/Wigan Pekeur, 22. Bernardo Botha

Force:

TBA