Lions try to outflank Scarlets with positional switch for Springbok Ruan Venter
Image: BackpagePix
The Lions go into their latest 'do-or-die' clash against the Scarlets at Ellis Park on Sunday (3pm kickoff) minus stalwart scrumhalf Morné van den Berg, and with a positional switch for Springbok flanker Ruan Venter.
Nico Steyn will replace livewire Springbok Van den Berg, who has a hamstring injury, in the starting line-up against the Welsh visitors.
He will be expected to provide the spark for an exciting Lions backline that includes the elusive and dynamic Quan Horn at fullback, star centre Henco van Wyk and wings Richard Kriel and Edwill van der Merwe.
If their pack can help give them front-foot ball, then home fans could be in for a treat of running rugby.
Morné van den Berg Morné van den Berg will be sorely missed by the Lions against the Scarlets. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
They will have to cut out the unforced errors that have blighted their play at times this season, however.
Should they once again opt for the conservative game-plan that characterised their last match, then the strong boot of flyhalf Kade Wolhuter could prove telling for coach Ivan van Rooyen's side.
While Steyn is a like-for-like replacement for Van den Berg, whose leadership will be sorely missed, the decision to move Venter to lock has raised eyebrows.
Venter replaces Ruben Schoeman, who falls out of the match-23 altogether. He will pack down alongside Ruan Delport.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The experienced Darrien Landsberg will provide lock cover on the bench, should the experiment falter. PJ Botha also provides experienced back-up at hooker.
Layton Horn provides scrumhalf cover, while Lubabalo Dobela can help out in a few backline positions.
The young Renzo du Plessis gets another chance to impress in the No 7 jersey, having been one of the stand-out players in the victory over Connacht in Johannesburg.
Hooker Jaco Visagie continues to skipper the side in the absence of regular captain and No 8 Francke Horn.
The Lions are seeking to build on their win over Connacht at home two weeks ago that ended a long losing streak and kept alive their slim playoff hopes.
But even with bonus-point wins in their last two games of the regular season, they can only reach 45 points.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
‘Referees were too weak': Enraged Wallabies cry foul over controversial Lions win
Wallabies legends and coaches slammed referees for allowing a controversial Lions try that sealed Australia's series defeat in Melbourne. Former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui blasted the match officials for lacking the courage to penalise a dangerous clean-out in the build-up to the British and Irish Lions' series-clinching try on Saturday. With the second Test locked in a dramatic final minute, Lions fullback Hugo Keenan crossed to secure a 2-0 series lead at the MCG. But Wallabies players and coaches fumed after flanker Carlo Tizzano appeared to be cleaned out illegally by Lions captain Jac Morgan. Tizzano clutched his neck after the collision, suggesting clear head or neck contact, which should have triggered a penalty under World Rugby law. Referee Andrea Piardi and TMO Eric Gauzins reviewed the incident but let the try stand, ruling there was no foul play involved. Turinui, calling the match for Nine, accused the officials of cowardice and claimed the Wallabies had been robbed of a deserved result. 'The end is a penalty to the Wallabies, and the referees were too weak to give it,' Turinui said in frustration. 'They've got it wrong, and it's cost the Wallabies the series. It's a terrible decision that decides this match.' Wallabies captain Michael Hooper echoed Turinui's sentiment, saying the decision went against the letter of the law in the match's dying moments. 'If that was minute one, it's a penalty,' Hooper told Nine. 'From minute one to 79, that's the same law. Period.' Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt didn't hold back either, directing attention to Law 9.20, which covers neck contact and player safety. 'Just look at Law 9.20,' Schmidt said post-match. 'The referees didn't do their duty to protect player welfare. They got it wrong.' According to World Rugby's own definition, clean-outs involving neck or head contact must be penalised, with potential yellow or red cards issued. Tizzano's reaction, grabbing his neck, pointed to clear contact above the shoulders, yet the officials chose not to act. Wallabies No 8 Harry Wilson declined to comment directly but hinted at outrage, saying he wasn't in the right emotional space to respond. The decision has sparked immediate controversy and calls for greater consistency and courage from officials in high-stakes moments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Lions maul Sharks in dominant Currie Cup opener
The Lions scored seven tries to crush the Sharks 46-5 at Ellis Park, avenging last year's Currie Cup final defeat. Jarod Cairns crossed early to open the scoring before Rabz Maxwane finished off a slick move sparked by Angelo Davids' break. Nico Steyn chipped crossfield for Maxwane to gather and score, giving the Lions a well-earned 10-0 lead inside 20 minutes. The Sharks lacked cohesion and discipline, with winger Phiko Sobahle receiving a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown near halftime. That infringement gifted the Lions a penalty try and a numerical advantage just before the break at a buzzing Ellis Park. Maxwane made full use of the extra space to bag his second try, pushing the Lions into a commanding 24-0 lead. Sobahle prepared to return from the bin when Jean Smith was shown yellow, reducing the Sharks to 14 men again early on. Lions debutant Angelo Davids took immediate advantage, slicing through the broken defence for a well-taken try in front of the home fans. The Sharks struggled to exit their own half and made little headway against a physically dominant Lions pack and lively backline. While Sobahle finally crossed for a late consolation try, the game had long since drifted beyond the visitors' reach in Johannesburg. Rynhardt Jonker burst through the midfield to score before Layton Horn dotted down soon after to compound the Sharks' misery. The Lions showed superior structure, finishing ability and composure as they exacted revenge for last season's heartbreaking Currie Cup final loss. With confidence high, the Lions now shift focus to a testing home fixture against Western Province at Ellis Park next Saturday. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Currie Cup result: Seven-try Lions smash Sharks
The Lions will host Western Province next Saturday, while the Sharks travel to Pretoria to take on the Vodacom Bulls. The Lions gained a semblance of revenge for last year's Currie Cup final defeat with a comprehensive win against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday. Eleven survivors from that decider helped the hosts open their 2025 campaign with a seven-try, 46-5 victory against a young Sharks side. Flanker Jarod Cairns and winger Rabz Maxwane scored tries to give the Lions a 10-0 lead, with the latter's coming after a break by Blitzbok Angelo Davids and scrumhalf Nico Steyn's cross kick. Just before the break, Phiko Sobahle's deliberate knock-down resulted in a yellow card for the Sharks winger and a penalty try to the Lions. Maxwane scored his second, and the Lions' fourth, while playing against 14 men to make it 24-0 at the break. No sooner was Sobahle set to return to the field early in the second half than Sharks flyhalf Jean Smith was yellow-carded, and Lions debutant Davids scored while he was off. Sobahle finally got the Sharks on the board with 12 minutes remaining, but Rynhardt Jonker and Layton Horn then dotted down in quick succession to complete the rout. The Lions host Western Province next Saturday, while the Sharks travel to Pretoria to take on the Vodacom Bulls. This story was first published on It is republished here with permission.