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Whiteley remains Lions skipper

Cape Town - Prop JC Janse van Rensburg is back in the Lions camp, but he will not lead the team when they face Samoa at Ellis Park on Saturday.

According to the Rugby365 website, No 8 Warren Whiteley will remain as skipper for the clash against the Pacific Islanders.

Janse van Rensburg and loose forward Derrick Minnie, who both recently represented the Sharks in Super Rugby, are back at the Johannesburg-based union.

"It is great to have JC and Derrick back," said coach Johan Ackermann. "They will make a huge difference on Saturday."

However, the French-bound Janse van Rensburg will play a supporting role this week, with Whiteley set to continue in the role that saw him lead the Lions to a record fifth Vodacom Cup title earlier this month.

Ackermann said Whiteley deserved to retain the captaincy.

"Warren can also start growing in that role ahead of the Currie Cup, as JC will have left for (Bayonne in) France by the time the Currie Cup season starts," said Ackermann.

Utility back Andries Coetzee (shoulder) and wing Deon Helberg (fractured rib) appear to be the only major injury casualties for the Lions.

Saturday's clash kicks off at 15:00.

Squads:

Lions:

Forwards: Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Hugo Kloppers, Ruan Dreyer, Robbie Coetzee, Jacques van Rooyen, Francois du Toit, Van Zyl Botha, JJ Breet, Willie Britz, JC Janse van Rensburg, Derrick Minnie.

Backs: Chrysander Botha, Deon van Rensburg, Alwyn Hollenbach, Anthony Volmink, Marnitz Boshoff, Michael Bondesio, Ross Cronjé, Lionel Cronjé, Dylan Des Fountain.

Samoa:

Forwards: Ti'i Paulo (Clermont), Wayne Ole Avei (Bordeaux Beagles), Manu Leiataua (North Harbour), Census Johnston (Toulouse), Logovi'i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Sakaria Taulafo (London Wasp), James Johnston (Harlequins), Kane Thompson (Canon Eagles), Iosefa Tekori (Castres), Daniel Leo (Perpignan), Teofilo Paulo (Cardiff Blues), Taiasina Tuifua (Newcastle Falcons), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bristol), Ofisa Treviranus (London Irish), Jack Lam (Hurricanes), Maurie Fa'asavalu (Harlequins), Fa'alemiga Selesele (Moata’a, Samoa).

Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i (Ospreys), Jeremy Su'a (Crusaders), Auvasa Faleali'i (Newcastle, Australia), Tusi Pisi (Hurricanes/Suntory Sungoliath), Ki Anufe (Auckland), George Pisi (Northampton Saints), Johnny Leota (Sale Sharks), Isaia Tuifua (Vigo, Spain), Brandon Va'aulu (Tokyo), Alesana Tuilagi (NTT Shining Arcs), Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes), Robert Lilomaiava (Vaiala, Samoa), TBC, Paul Williams (Stade Francais), James So'oialo (Wellington).

Lions Challenge fixture list for 2013:

January 19: Lions 51-13 Russia
January 23: Lions 33-17 Cheetahs
February 2: Lions 33-38 Bulls
February 9: Lions 41-31 Kings
February 23: Namibia v Lions - Cancelled
March 16: Lions 56-24 Mont de Marsan
April 13: US Invitational v Lions - Cancelled
April 20: US Invitational v Lions - Cancelled
April 27: Chicago Lions v Lions - Cancelled
May 11: Lions v Agen - Ellis Park - Cancelled
June 1: Lions v Samoa - Ellis Park
June 8: Lions v French Barbarians - Ellis Park
June 15: Lions v Stormers - Ellis Park
June 21: Lions v Sharks - Ellis Park
July 12: Lions v Montpellier - Ellis Park
July 20: Lions v Grenoble - Ellis Park
July 27: Super Rugby promotion/relegation -  TBA
August 3: Super Rugby promotion/relegation - Ellis Park
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