Koch to lead Royal XV against Lions

THE British and Irish Lions will face a team made up mainly of players from the GWK Griquas and Platinum Leopards in their opening tour match on May 30. A Royal XV side, which the Lions will face at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng, will be led by flanker Wilhelm Koch.

The team is a composite team which comprises of players from five northern-based provinces: Platinum Leopards, Griquas, Pumas, Griffons and the Falcons. Koch, the Leopards captain, is one of 10 players from his provincial union in the side, while his coach, Chaka Willemse, will be in charge of the 27-man squad.

Dawie Theron, who was in the match 22 for all three Tests when South Africa lost the last series between the two sides 2-1 in 1997, is one of three assistants alongside Jimmy Stonehouse (Pumas) and Oersond Gorgonzola (Griffons).