Johannesburg is set to ignite this Saturday as the Emirates Lions clash with Ulster in a highly anticipated Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Round 5 showdown at Ellis Park. Both teams have announced their lineups, revealing strategic changes aimed at securing a crucial victory.
Lions Adjust After Injury Setbacks
The Lions have been forced to reshuffle their pack following injuries to key players. Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while flanker JC Pretorius is out with a knee injury. While Van den Berg wasn't featured against Scarlets, his absence is still a blow. Pretorius's absence is particularly felt, but Jarod Cairns steps up to fill the void at flank, a move designed to bolster the Lions' breakdown capabilities.
In other changes, Reinhard Nothnagel returns to the starting lineup after a stint on the bench last weekend. The backline sees Bronson Mills slotting in at 12, replacing Richard Kriel in a tactical move. The full Lions lineup is as follows:
- 15 Quan Horn
- 14 Eduan Keyter
- 13 Henco van Wyk
- 12 Bronson Mills
- 11 Angelo Davids
- 10 Chris Smith
- 9 Nico Steyn
- 8 Francke Horn (captain)
- 7 Ruan Venter
- 6 Jarod Cairns
- 5 Reinhard Nothnagel
- 4 Etienne Oosthuizen
- 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
- 2 Franco Marais
- 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Darrien Landsberg, Renzo du Plessis, Layton Horn, Gianni Lombard, Kelly Mpeku.
Ulster Look to Saffa Captain for Victory
Ulster, led by South African hooker Rob Herring, are bringing a strong squad to Ellis Park. Herring, born in Cape Town and a seasoned Ireland international, will captain the side. Juarno Augustus and Werner Kok add further South African flavour to the Ulster squad. Augustus continues his impressive form with another start at No. 8, while Kok, fresh off a try against his former team, will provide impact from the bench.
Young talent Joe Hopes makes his first senior start in the second row. The full Ulster lineup is:
- 15 Michael Lowry
- 14 Robert Baloucoune
- 13 James Hume
- 12 Jude Postlethwaite
- 11 Zac Ward
- 10 Jack Murphy
- 9 Nathan Doak
- 8 Juarno Augustus
- 7 Tom Stewart
- 6 David McCann
- 5 Joe Hopes
- 4 Harry Sheridan
- 3 Tom O’Toole
- 2 Rob Herring
- 1 Sam Crean
Bench: James McCormick, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Matthew Dalton, Bryn Ward, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Werner Kok.
With both teams making strategic changes, the Lions vs Ulster clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. Don't miss the action at Ellis Park!