Big milestone for Van Der Merwe as in-form Lions name team to face Ospreys

Since transferring from the Stormers to the Lions in 2021, the 27-year-old winger has been a key player for the Johannesburg-based team.

Van der Merwe showcased his skills by scoring a sensational try in the Lions' impressive 38-14 victory over Connacht last weekend in Galway. Now, he aims to mark his milestone appearance in style as the team seeks another URC triumph away from home.

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has made a single change to last week's winning lineup, with Conraad van Vuuren stepping in for Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who received a three-week suspension following a red card in the previous match.

There is a possibility of the suspension being reduced by one week if the prop completes the World Rugby coaching intervention program.

In a tactical move, experienced player Ruan Dreyer will provide cover from the bench.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Dryer, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Izan Esterhuizen, 21 Hanru Sirgel, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Stean Pienaar

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