Van der Walt at pivot for Lions against WP
Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has made a number of rotational changes to the starting line-up to face Western Province in a crucial Currie Cup encounter at Ellis Park on Friday evening.
Tighthead prop Ruan Dreyer makes a welcome return to the rugby field after a lengthy lay-off due to injury.
A new face, JP du Preez, will pack down at lock with Lourens Erasmus while Ruan Ackermann moves to seven and Fabian Booysen comes in at eight.
Jaco van der Walt dons the number 10 jersey, Rohan Janse van Rensburg moves to inside centre and Jacques Nell will partner him in midfield. Selom Gavor replaces the injured Courtnall Skosan, while Andries Ferreira returns from injury and will warm the bench initially.
Golden Lions
15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Selom Gavor, 13 Jacques Nel, 12 Rohan Janse van Rensburg, 11 Anthony Volmink, 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Ross Cronje (captain), Fabian Booysen, 7 Ruan Ackermann, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Lourens Erasmus, 4 JP du Preez, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Dylan Smith
16 Armand ‘Akker’ van der Merwe, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Andries Ferreira, 19 Cyle Brink, 20 Ruaan Lerm/Steph de Wit, 21 Ashlon Davids, 22 Howard Mnisi
Kick-off is at 19.00pm on Friday.