Morné van den Berg is set to reach a major milestone when the Lions host Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Affectionately known as ‘Krappie’, the Springbok scrumhalf will make his 100th appearance for the Joburg-based side, capping a journey that began in 2019 and has seen him grow into one of the team’s most influential figures.
The milestone comes at a key moment in the Lions’ campaign, with the hosts kicking off a four-match home run that could define their push for a playoff place.
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They’ll do so with a timely boost.
Springboks Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye both return to the match 23 after missing the clash against the Stormers – Venter following concussion protocols and Ntlabakanye after a family bereavement.
In the backline, there’s a positional shift, with Erich Cronjé moving from centre to the left wing in place of the injured Kelly Mpeku, while Angelo Davids retains his spot on the opposite wing after an eye-catching display last time out.
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With Edinburgh boasting their own forward power, the Lions have stacked their bench with impact, including Batho Hlekani, Renzo du Plessis and Haashim Pead, as they look to maintain intensity in the second half.
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronjé, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Bench: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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