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Changes aplenty for Lions

Johannesburg - Joshua Strauss will captain the Lions when they take on the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 11:40 SA time.

The Lions have completely overhauled their team ahead of the Super Rugby match, with Strauss - who will be used as eighthman - set to become the third skipper the team has used his season.

The former Maties loose forward was called-up to lead the side after an injury to regular skipper Doppies la Grange.

With Strauss shifting from the side to the back of the scrum in the place of Warren Whiteley, Michael Rhodes has been promoted to the starting XV.

Another important inclusion is that of flank Derick Minnie whose presence at the breakdowns was missed during the time he spent on the sidelines with injury.

La Grange's important midfield slot will be filled by Alwyn Hollenbach who has been impressive for the Vodacom Cup side this season.

At the back, young Jaco Taute will be wearing the No 15 jersey in place of the injured Michael Killian.

Elton Jantjies is also back in the saddle after warming the bench in the team's last few outings.

He replaces Burton Francis who drops to the bench while the team anxiously await the arrival of Rugby World Cup winner Butch James.

Scrumhalves Rory Kockott and Jano Vermaak have again swapped places with the former going back to his role as impact player.

Tighthead prop Patric Cilliers was also rewarded for his work as a replacement while the return of Springbok hooker Bandise Maku should further enhance the team's chances of ending an embarrassing seven match losing streak.

Lock Franco van der Merwe is back at his regular starting position in the second row. He replaces veteran David de Villiers who has been left out of the match 22.

Utility back Jannie Boshoff has been included on the bench as backup after Taute's promotion.

Teams:

Brumbies:

TBA

Lions:

15 Jaco Taute, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Dylan des Fountain, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Deon van Rensburg, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Josh Strauss, 7 Michael Rhodes, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg

Substitutes: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 Warren Whiteley, 19 Cobus Grobbelaar, 20 Rory Kockott, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Jannie Boshoff


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