Desperate Lions call in the front-row cavalry to deal with Griquas threat

The hoary but enduring rugby expression of games being won up front is clearly a guiding principle for the embattled Lions as they assembled a power-packed front row for Thursday's Currie Cup meeting with Griquas at Wits University.

Rock bottom on the log with seven losses from seven starts, Mzwakhe Nkosi's team desperately needs to find a way to arrest an alarming decline in this season's tournament.

To that end, an essentially first-choice trio of JP Smith, Jaco Visagie and Carlu Sadie have been enlisted to soften the visitors at scrum time, while also providing the type of defensive solidity and work ethic that's been sorely lacking.

There's even the insurance policy of the evergeen and wise Jannie du Plessis on the bench.

Furthermore, scrumhalf Andre Warner - completing a steady return from injury - and fullback Tiaan Swanepoel add experience to a raw but exciting backline that features the gifted and highly-touted Henco van Wyk in midfield and tireless winger Boldwin Hansen.

Second match, but first @Vodacom #URC try for Henco van Wyk! pic.twitter.com/ex5nee9g6N

Given how the Lions have struggled to balance an overwhelmingly youthful group with some veterans, this line-up has a far more secure to it ... relatively speaking.

"Our approach will always be the same, we want to win games, without a doubt," said Philip Lemmer, the Lions' breakdown coach.

"The players have to put up their hand and grab the opportunity. We're continually telling them that it takes just one special moment to remind everyone of their ability and give us the win that we so desperately need.

Kick-off in Milpark is at 15:00. 

15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 James Mollentze, 11 Zeilinga Strydom, 10 Luke Rossouw, 9 Andre Warner