LIONS coach Johan Ackermann named a strong starting XV for when they kick off the Currie Cup competition against the Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Flanker Jaco Kriel\u201a who should be training with the Springbok squad after his storming Super Rugby season\u201a will captain the team and will partner SA Sevens star Kwagga Smith at the side of the scrum.<\/p>\n
Kriel\u2019s combative approach\u201a speed and unrelenting industry in open play will cause the Kings quite a few problems but it is unclear how he will handle the added responsibility of being captain.<\/p>\n
With Smith at No 7\u201a Ackermann\u2019s team will operate with two recognised openside flankers\u201a who will provide a breakdown onslaught.<\/p>\n
Ruan Lerm will fill in for Warren Whiteley\u201a who is in Durban with the Boks\u201a at No 8.<\/p>\n
The Lions had their best Super Rugby season this year when they came within a hair\u2019s breadth of making the playoffs. And although the lustre has been wiped clean off the Currie Cup competition\u201a expect them to put on an exhibition of attacking flair.<\/p>\n
They were one of the best teams to watch in the competition \u2014 up there with finalists the Highlanders and the Hurricanes \u2014 and it should be a treat once more to see them play.<\/p>\n
Flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff\u201a 26\u201a has also been given a lifeline at flyhalf for the Currie Cup opener. The Springbok played second fiddle to Elton Janjties in Super Rugby after starting the tournament as the incumbent. And when he did have the odd chance\u201a at times at fullback\u201a he looked like he had ball chains tied to his wrists and ankles.<\/p>\n
He is at risk of falling behind promising youngster Jaco van der Walt\u201a 21\u201a who is on the bench.<\/p>\n
Howard Mnisi and Harold Vorster will start together in midfield in the absence of Springbok second centre Lionel Mapoe\u201a while Ruan Combrinck will start the season at fullback instead of the right wing.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s pace on the outside too\u201a with Anthony Volmink and Courtnall Skosan operating on the wings.<\/p>\n
In the forwards\u201a Martin Muller and Franco Mostert\u201a who was released by the Boks\u201a will continue in the second row\u201a where they developed a symmetric rapport in the engine room.<\/p>\n
Ackermann went with Jacques van Rooyen\u201a Malcolm Marx and Julian Redelinghuys in the front row to start. \u2013 The Times<\/p>\n
Source: RDM News Wire.<\/p>\n