New midfield combination as Lions look to the future in final URC clash

Lions coach Ivan Rooyen has named his team for their final United Rugby Championship clash against Welsh side Dragons in Newport on Saturday.

The Lions boast a new-look midfield pairing in the form of Matt More and Henco van Wyk, while Manuel Rass will provide cover off the bench.

URC log

With the departing Burger Odendaal left at home, lock Reinhard Nothnagel will captain the side.

The Lions mentor stressed the need to look to the future.

"As mentioned last week, it gives us an opportunity as a franchise to cast our eye towards the future, and we believe that this group will form part of that core," Van Rooyen said.

"They'll be a few guys in the match-23 who will be relishing the opportunity to make a name for themselves against international opposition.

"In saying that, Dragons will be a tough outfit to play at a vibrant Rodney Parade. We've planned and trained well this week so the guys we'll be up for it come Saturday."

Elsewhere, exciting loose forward Jarod Cairns and gifted tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye could make an appearance off the bench.

Saturday's clash is scheduled for 16:00 (SA time).

15 Quan Horn, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Matt More, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (captain), 4 Ruan Venter, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith

Substitutes: 16 Pieter Botha, 17 Sithembiso Sithole, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Ruben Schoeman, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Manuel Rass, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel