Lions coach Dick Muir seems to have lost confidence in Springbok fullback Earl Rose.  
That is the clear message after Rose was immediately dispatched back to the Vodacom Cup side for Friday’s game against the Pumas.

Rose has trodden a fine line on defence of late, and his displays on tour were less than impressive for a player who should be used to playing at international level. Rose will turn out at flyhalf alongside another Super 14 discard, it seems, as JP Joubert has also been sent back to the Vodacom Cup side to hone his skills.

But the duo are not the only ones. Winger Tonderai Chavhanga, flank Robert Kruger and prop Kevin Buys all find themselves out of the match 22 for the Lions Super 14 side and on duty in the lower competition.

The absence of Wikus van Heerden signals a return to Super 14 action for the former Lions captain.

Jonathan Mokuena, who has recovered from injury, will make his way back onto the field via a second half appearance from the bench.

Lions Vodacom Cup team:

15. Wian Buys, 14. Tonderai Chavhanga, 13. Rouan Cloete, 12. Pieter Engelbrecht, 11. Henno Mentz, 10. Earl Rose, 9. JP Joubert, 8. Justin Wheeler, 7. Robert Kruger, 6. Jaco Kriel, 5. Wouter Moore, 4. Jannes Labuschagne (captain), 3. Kevin Buys, 2. Charles Emslie, 1. Lawrence Sephaka

Substitutes: 16. Martin Bezuidenhout, 17. Charl du Plessis, 18. David Bulbring, 19. Jonathan Mokuena, 20. Chris Jonck, 21. Justin St. Jerry, 22. Bernardo Botha