Charles Emslie against the Chiefs - Pic: Deon van der Merwe

The Union Bulldogs have picked Lions hooker Charles Emslie at number eight for Saturday’s big clash with Pirates in Greenside. Emslie played Craven Week rugby at eight and his father Charles senior represented Randfontein in the same jersey during their golden years in the 80s.

Emslie represented the Super 14-side at hooker but Union’s coach Lance Starkey unknowingly decided to try him out as a loose forward last weekend.

Bulldogs captain Jacques Crous is out with a back injury and the captaincy has been bestowed on the broad shoulders of lock Kevin Breedt.

Starkey has also been impressed with the young Lions flanker Renaldo Bothma. “He is a big boy, but can move around the park. Unfortunately the Lions players couldn’t train with us on Thursday, but it was a good session and we’re looking forward to the match against Pirates.

“All I want from our team is that they do their best. We have to focus for eighty minutes and play to our full potential. Then I will be happy,” he concluded.

Barry Niemand is back at scrumhalf and Rudi Theron is in at hooker for Crous.

Union vs. Pirates: Ivan Vosloo; Daniel Schwartz, Shane Germishuys, Divan Benadie, Gert Gertzen; Kyle Peyper, Barry Niemand; Charles Emslie, Renaldo Bothma, Vehlaphi Khumalo, Jonathan Swart, Kevin Breedt ©, Eugene Oelofse, Rudolf Theron, Louwtjie Grobler.