New Emirates Lions recruit Edwill van der Merwe is set to make his debut for the Johannesburg side when the Lions take on Cardiff Rugby on Sunday in Round 6 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (VURC) at Emirates Airline Park.
Head Coach Ivan van Rooyen has put out a strong match 23 which also sees the return of Willem Alberts and Tiaan Swanepoel from long term injuries.
“It’s good to be back home. We’ve put in solid training sessions on and off the field over the past three weeks and the guys are looking in great shape and quite excited to play at home,” says the Lions mentor.
“Our focus this weekend is to achieve a positive result by executing on the plans we have set out for ourselves as a squad and most importantly improving on the gains we achieved overseas is certain areas,” he added.
Van Rooyen was happy with the progress of injured squad members upon the team's return from the UK.
“We are extremely pleased to have a majority fit squad to select from for first home fixture.”
“Willem and Tiaan missed out on the first four games of our northern hemisphere campaign, so they’ll be raring to go should they get an opportunity,” explains van Rooyen.
Other changes see Fred Zeilinga assume the number 10 position with Matt More coming in as backline cover.
With a maximum of 2000 fans allowed back at rugby stadiums in South Africa, van Rooyen believes this will boost his team.
“The fact that we’ll have a few fans back is a bonus. It may not be a large amount, but it goes a very long way in creating an atmosphere at the stadium and serves as added motivation for the players,” he concluded.
Emirates Lions: 15. EW Viljoen 14. Edwill van der Merwe 13. Wandisile Simelane 12. Burger Odendaal (c) 11. Sibahle Maxwane 10. Fred Zeilinga 9. Andre Warner 8. Francke Horn 7. Vincent Tshituka 6. Jaco Kriel 5. Reinhard Nothnagel 4. Ruben Schoeman 3. Carlu Sadie 2. Gerrit Jaco Visagie 1. Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16. Pieter Jacobus Botha 17. Morgan Naude 18. Ruan Dreyer 19. Willem Alberts 20. Ruhan Straeuli 21. Morne van den Berg 22. Matt More 23. Tiaan Swanepoel.
