Venter could partner Nothnagel as Lions consider new-look second row

THERE was a strong hint from Lions assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher that the Sharks will face Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter in a new-look second row with Reinhard Nothnagel on Saturday at Ellis Park.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

The long-serving Nothnagel is making his way back after a serious shoulder injury, while Venter has recently completed a four-match suspension for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi during the Lions' 23-22 win in Durban on January 3.

The Lions want to up their physicality after a weak showing in their last match, a big defeat to the Bulls, and to combat a Sharks pack that recently outplayed the Stormers, home and away.

Also, during Venter's absence, former Shark Batho Hlekani has been impressive, and the Lions coaching staff does not want to dispense with the Junior Springbok's excellent contributions.

“We are privileged to have both of them,” Loubscher said of Venter and Hlekani. “We know when they have the ball in hand, they get us over the advantage line.