Lions change five for Griquas clash
Golden Lions interim coach Johan Ackermann has made five changes to the run-on XV for their Currie Cup match against Griquas at Coca-Cola Park on Friday evening.
CJ Van der Linde replaces injured Jacobie Adriaanse at tighthead prop.
Joshua Strauss moves from right flank to lock, replacing Hendrik Roodt, who is also injured, while flanker Jaco Kriel replaces Kobus Grobbelaar who drops to the bench.
Willie Britz will make his first start at right flank in place of Strauss.
In the backline, Ross Cronje starts at scrumhalf in place of Michael Bondesio who drops to the bench.
Flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been included and starts in the number 10 jersey, though he may be excluded depending on Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's squad announcement for the Australasian leg of their Rugby Championship campaign.
On the bench, Ruan Dreyer replaces Van der Linde and Michael Rhodes returns from injury.
Lions team: Andries Coetzee, JR Esterhuizen, Lionel Mapoe, Butch James, Anthony Volmink, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley, Willie Britz, Jaco Kriel, Franco van der Merwe, Joshua Strauss, CJ Van der Linde, Bandise Maku, JC Janse van Rensburg (capt).
Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, Ruan Dreyer, Michael Rhodes, Cobus Grobbelaar, Michael Bondesio, Alwyn Hollenbach, Deon Helberg.
