JOHANNESBURG - Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen will once again rely on consistency in his selection as his team takes on the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday .
In doing so, the Xerox Lions coach has placed his trust in the team that soundly defeated the Free State Cheetahs last weekend. As such Jannie du Plessis, who ended a scintillating attacking play by scoring a try, and scrumhalf Andre Warner, who looked mightily impressive in his first competitive outing for that match, return to take on a buoyant Sharks team fresh off of a victory of their own against the Blue Bulls.
There are a handful of concerns though. Man of the Match of the Cheetahs game, Vincent Tshituka, and powerhouse prop Sti Sithole are both under an injury cloud, and will both have to undergo late fitness tests to assess their matchday readiness. If they are unable to participate in the encounter, Van Rooyen is blessed enough in squad depth to call upon Wilhelm van der Sluys and Dylan Smith.
After a slight niggle to his calf, Burger Odendaal returns to the matchday squad as cover on the bench, while Springbok Jamba Ulengo will also make a welcomed appearance and will warm -up on the sidelines until needed. There were no other changes to the team as the Lions build up a head of steam in the Carling Currie Cup after two solid victories in as many matches.
Kick-off at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday will remain at 19:00 as no thunder and lightning are predicted at this stage.