Lions blow as Whiteley ruled out

Cape Town – Jaco Kriel will lead the Lions in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Highlanders in Johannesburg tomorrow (15:00 kick-off).

Kriel takes the captain’s armband after regular skipper Warren Whiteley was ruled out with a calf injury.

Whiteley failed a fitness test yesterday and was not included in the match-day squad named by coach Johan Ackermann.

Ruan Ackermann will start at No 8 in Whiteley’s position, while Steph de Witt comes in on the bench.

Dillon Smit will also provide scrumhalf cover on the bench, replacing Ross Cronje who is ruled out with an ankle injury.