Chris Smith will captain the Lions in Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, just a day after the death of teammate Hyron Andrews.
The flyhalf takes over the captaincy from regular skipper Francke Horn, who has been ruled out after suffering an achilles injury during the week.
The Lions will take the field at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre in honour of Andrews, who died following an accident at the team’s hotel in France on Friday morning.
The 31-year-old lock’s death has rocked the Joburg-based side, with the players and management collectively deciding to fulfil the fixture in his memory.
The Lions have made several changes to their lineup, including a front row featuring Morné Brandon at hooker and the returning Conraad van Vuuren at tighthead prop.
Sikhumbuzo Notshe starts at No 8 in the absence of Horn with Siba Mahashe getting the No 6 jersey.
In the backline, Bronson Mills returns at inside centre after a lengthy injury layoff, while Erich Cronjé is back on the left wing.
On-loan Griquas hooker Tiaan Lange could make his Lions debut if called upon from the bench.
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A moment’s silence will be observed before every Champions Cup and Challenge Cup match this weekend in memory of Andrews.
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronjé, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Morné Brandon, 1 Boan Venter.
Bench: 16 Tiaan Lange, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Richard Kriel, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
