Mills gets URC debut chance for Lions

The Emirates Lions have surprised by naming an uncapped promising midfielder in their starting line-up for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Irish side Connacht on Saturday.

Bronson Mills, former KES Schoolboy star and highly rated up and coming talent, will take his place in the midfield for his debut in the URC. The 21-year old follows fellow former KES star Kelly Mpeku into the Lions squad and much is expected of his chance at higher glory.

Mills is one of several changes to the side that lost to Benetton as the Lions fight for their slim chance at getting into the top eight against a side that needs a victory just as badly.

Partnering Mills is SA A midfielder Henco van Wyk, who is back from injury and the combination will be keenly watched.

Richard Kriel also returns from injury to take his regular spot on the right wing while Jaco Visagie will lead the team into battle in the absence of Francke Horn. Morgan Naude comes into the side at loosehead with Ruan Delport also starting at lock in place of Darrien Landsberg.

Renzo du Plessis and Jarod Cairns make up a new loose trio with the former replacing Ruan Venter and the latter Horn to round up the pack.

Flyhalf Lubabelo Dobela makes his first appearance on the bench for the Lions as well.

EMIRATES LIONS: Quan Horn; Richard Kriel, Henco van Wyk, Bronson Mills, Edwill van der Merwe; Kade Wolhuter, Morne van den Berg; Jarod Cairns, Renzo du Plessis, JC Pretorius, Ruan Delport, Ruben Schoeman, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Jaco Visagie (captain), Morgan Naude.

REPLACEMENTS: PJ Botha, SJ Kotze, RF Schoeman, Darrien Landsberg, Izan Esterhuizen, Nico Steyn, Lubabelo Dobela, Rynhardt Jonker.