Matchday Four of the inaugural Super Rugby Unlocked season kicks off on Friday, with the inland battle between the Lions and the Griquas at Ellis Park.
The two teams occupy the bottom spots on the table, a position which is unfamiliar for the hosts, who came into the competition as one of the favourites for at least a playoff spot.
Lions vs Griquas: Super Rugby Unlocked preview
With two defeats in as many matches, the Lions will be looking to get off the mark against the only side lower than them in the standings.
The Griquas have, despite some valiant showings, also not managed to register victory, and come off an upset at home to the Pumas.
They had a bye last weekend, and will be looking to come out refreshed against the men from Johannesburg.
News coming in from the Lions camp on the day is that influential flanker Jaco Kriel will not be part of the proceedings at Ellis Park due to “personal reasons”.
Teams
Lions: Gianni Lombard; Stean Pienaar; Wandisile Simelane; Dan Kriel; Courtnall Skosan; Elton Jantjies (capt); Morné van den Berg; Len Massyn; Vincent Tshituka; MJ Pelser; Marvin Orie; Ruben Schoeman; Carlu Sadie; Jaco Visagie; Sti Sithole. Replacements: PJ Botha; Ruan Dreyer; Jannie du Plessis; Reinhard Nothnagel; Jaco Kriel; Ross Cronjé; Burger Odendaal; and Tiaan Swanepoel.
Griquas: James Verity-Amm, Ederies Arendse, Harlon Klaasen, André Swarts, Eduan Keyter, George Whitehead (captain), Zak Burger, Carl Els, Stefan Willemse, Gideon van der Merwe, Adré Smith, Mzwanele Zito, Ewald van der Westhuizen, HJ Luus, Andrew Beerwinkel. Replacements: Monde Hadebe, Mox Mxoli, John-Roy Jenkinson, Johan Momsen, Ewan Coetzee, Theo Maree, Tinus de Beer, Masixole Banda, Bandisa Ndlovu, CJ Velleman, Johnathan Francke.
Kick-off and TV stream
The match will kick off at 19:00 (SAST), and will stream live on Supersport Grandstand and is also available on DSTV Now (subscription required).
