Springbok wing returns to starting lineup for Lions

Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan will start in his first Super Rugby match of the season when the Lions host the Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday.

It has been long way back for Skosan who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a freak accident in training during the pre-season.

The 26-year-old’s return to the starting side means fellow Springbok wing Aphiwe Dyantyi drops down to the bench.

Skosan made his first Super Rugby appearance of the year off the bench against the Sharks in Round 17.

The other change in the backline from the side that lost to the Sharks sees Nicholas Groom start at scrumhalf with Ross Cronje playing off the bench.

In the pack, Jacques van Rooyen will start loosehead prop in place of Dylan Smith.

Smith suffered a calf strain in the match against the Sharks.

On the bench, Marnus Schoeman is bracketed with Hacjivah Dayimani amongst the forwards, and Howard Mnisi is bracketed with Shaun Reynolds.

The Lions can secure top spot in the South African Conference with a win.

LIONS

15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Ruan Combrinck, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Courtnall Skosan, 10. Elton Jantjies, 9. Nicholas Groom, 8. Warren Whiteley (C), 7. Cyle Brink, 6. Albertus Smith, 5. Francois Mostert, 4. Marvin Orie, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 2. Malcolm Marx, 1. Jacques van Rooyen.

Replacements: 16. Corne Fourie, 17. Johannes Jonker, 18. Jacobie Adriaanse, 19. Lourens Erasmus, 20. Marnus Schoeman/Hacjivah Dayimani, 21. Ross Cronje, 22. Aphiwe Dyantyi, 23. Howard Mnisi/Shaun Reynolds.

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