The inclusion of Sylvian Mahuza (wing), Lionel Mapoe (centre) and Nic Groom (scrumhalf) are the alterations in a new-look back division. Up front, Ruan Vermaak has been handed the No 8 jersey, Stephan Lewies moves to blindside flank while Rhyno Herbest is at lock.
Meanwhile, the Sunwolves were also affected by injury, with influential centre Michael Little one of three players ruled out with concussion. The other two are props Pauliasi Manu and Sam Prattley.
Although the Sunwolves are winless in their previous three matches against the Emirates Lions, the Japanese outfit have proven to be a tricky customer so far this year.
De Bruin’s team got the better of the Jaguares in their last away fixture and this clash in Singapore should make for an open match with both sides favouring a fast-paced, attacking game.
What they said:
Emirates Lions head coach Swys de Bruin confirmed from Singapore that the weather had hampered their preparations and they were unable to train outside on Thursday: “It’s very humid here and we couldn’t train because of a lightning scare. We did all of our detail under roof cover. There is a good vibe in the camp and we are looking forward to the game.”
Teams:
Sunwolves: 15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Jason Emery, 12 Harumichi Tatekawa, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Rahboni Warren Vosayaco, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Ben Gunter, 5 Tom Rowe, 4 Grant Hattingh, 3 Jiwon Koo, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Masataka Mikami. Replacements: 16 Nathan Vella, 17 Alex Woonton, 18 Hiroshi Yamashita, 19 Uwe Helu, 20 Amanaki Lelei Mafi, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Takuya Yamasawa, 23 Hosea Saumaki.
Emirates Lions: 15 Tyrone Green, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Courntall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Ruan Vermaak, 7 Stephan Lewies, 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: TBC
Head to head:
Played: 3
Sunwolves won: 0
Emirates Lions won: 3
Sunwolves points: 58
Emirates Lions points: 160
Average score: 19-53
Match information:
Date: Saturday, 23 March
SA time: 12h55
Venue: Singapore National Stadium
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Shuhei Kubo, Tawasaki Kawahara
Television Match Official: Minoru Fuji
TV: SuperSport1
