Straeuli Jnr starts at No 7 as Lions name URC team to tackle Sharks

Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks in Johannesburg.

Up front, Ruhan Straeuli, the son of Lions CEO Rudolph Straeuli, starts in the No 7 jersey in place of the injured Vincent Tshituka.

Lock Pieter Jansen van Vuren also makes a return to the match-23 after being sidelined due to injury on the team's tour to the UK.

"We are pleased to have Pieter back. He was great for us on tour before injury halted his momentum. He's trained really well over the past few weeks, and he is eager to get stuck in again," Van Rooyen said.

Van Rooyen backed his loose trio to provide the Lions with the necessary go forward against the Sharks.

"It's unfortunate to lose Vincent due to an injury setback, but the opportunity now presents itself for Ruhan to come in and do the job for us in concert with Jaco Kriel and Francke Horn," the coach added.

Centre Burger Odendaal will captain the Lions.

"It's great to be back for URC action especially on our home turf at Ellis Park. It’ll be our first URC fixture at home since the campaign started so we’re pretty excited about that," Van Rooyen said.

Saturday's clash at Ellis Park kicks off at 15:00.