In performance the Lions have to be barely recognisable from the team that lost four United Rugby Championship (URC) matches in a row when they meet Leinster in Dublin on Friday.
One way to bring about that kind of metamorphosis is to change personnel — and they went down that path by making eight amendments to the team that lost to the Stormers.
Two of the changes are forced as Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka could not resolve their visa issues but elsewhere coach Ivan van Rooyen has lustily wielded the axe.
Junior Boks Ruan Venter (flank) and Quan Horn (fullback) are in the starting line-up which also features Jordan Hendrickse at flyhalf and Wandisile Simelane in midfield.
“It’s an extended opportunity for them to immerse themselves into our system and ultimately express their talent on the big stage,” said Van Rooyen about Horn and Venter.
Despite his side’s youthful look, V
…. to be continued
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