Novice Welwitschias face Lions test

WELWITSCHIAS coach Lyn Jones has selected a young and inexperienced squad to face the Golden Lions in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge match in Windhoek on Saturday.

Coming off a 92-7 defeat to the Blue Bulls in Pretoria last Saturday, and with Namibia's top players unavailable due to the Nations Cup in Uruguay, Jones didn't have much depth to choose from, while several injuries have also forced his hand. He has made 10 changes to the 22-man squad that faced the Bulls, with most of the changes coming amongst the backs, where only fly half Dirk von Wiedts and wing back Davis Philander are expected to remain from last weekend's starting 15. Von Weidts only made his debut last weekend, while several other newcomers will be in action against the Lions. They include Wanderers centre Janre du Toit, who was selected against the Bulls but withdrew due to injury; Ethan Beukes who made his debut last weekend; Russel van Wyk, who returns to the team for the first time this year; and Western Suburbs' young winger Collins Omalu, who makes the 22-man squad for the first time. Amongst the forwards, Unam hooker Orbert Nortje and Wanderers flanker Adriaan Booysen are expected to make their debut in the starting 15, while United lock Winmar Rust is also due for a debut. Other newcomers include Walvis Bay prop Herman Grobler and Unam fly half TC Kisting. The Lions thrashed the Welwitschias 112-14 in their first leg match in Johannesburg and Jones on Tuesday said they realised the enormity of the task.