The Lions were forced to make four late changes to their team that will face the Pumas in a Currie Cup clash in Johannesburg on Friday.

Centre Doppies la Grange, who pulled a hamstring early in last week’s 37-43 loss to the Cheetahs, has been ruled out – forcing a complete reshuffle in the backline.

rugby365

Burton Francis, who was originally bracketed with La Grange in the midfield, replaces Michael Killian at fullback, Waylon Murray moves to inside centre in place of the injured La Grange, and Marius Delport comes off the bench to take Murray’s place at outside centre.

Bok flank Wikus Van Heerden, who was originally named on the bench, start at No.7 in place of the injured Joshua Strauss.

On the bench Renaldo Bothma comes in to fill the gap by Van Heerden’s promotion, Wandile Mjekevu comes into the spot vacated by Delport and Pieter Engelbrecht is on for Francis.

* Meanwhile the Lions announced that tickets for the match are just R10, and a family with children in primary school will enjoy free entrance for the youngsters.

Lions – revised: 15 Burton Francis, 14 Jannie Boshoff, 13 Marius Delport, 12 Waylon Murray, 11 Deon Van Rensburg, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco Van der Merwe (captain), 4 Trevor Hall, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Martin Bezuidenhout, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Wayne Swart, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 JP Joubert, 20 Wandile Mjekevu, 21 Renaldo Bothma, 22 Pieter Engelbrecht.

Date: Friday, October 8
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Lourens van der Merwe
Assistant referees: Sindile Mayende, Madel de Villiers
TMO: Johann Meuwesen