Strong Strauss earns Lions start

Stellenbosch star Josh Strauss is set to start for the Lions for the first time this weekend when John Mitchell's resurgent charges take on the Leopards.

Strauss is a highly rated loose forward who has dominated the Varsity Cup for two years. Powerful and direct, Strauss has impressed since arriving in Johannesburg last month and made his debut for the Union in their Round Five clash with the Cheetahs - a match the Lions won dramatically in the last minute of the fixture.

Speaking about his young back row client, World Artists Director Anthony Johnson said: "Josh is a big, strong ball carrier.

"He's also very good at the breakdown and particularly strong at cleaning - helping his team to get good ball. Add to that the fact that he is physical and strong on defence and you have a solid player."