In a fresh twist for the Lions' lineup, Lubabalo Dobela is set to command the field as flyhalf in the team's Vodacom URC season opener against Cardiff this Saturday. With Chris Smith sidelined due to a concussion, Coach Cash van Rooyen is shaking things up, hoping to bounce back from their Currie Cup final stumble.
Dobela, who's stepping in for Smith, will partner with Nico Steyn at scrumhalf, creating a dynamic duo that's expected to spice up the game. The team's backbone, captain Quan Horn, will lead the back three, which sees Tapiwa Mafura and Angelo Davids filling in the wings, bringing fresh legs and fervor to the lineup.
The forward pack remains robust with Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye anchoring the scrum alongside hooker Franco Marais and loosehead SJ Kotze. The locking duo of Dylan Sjoblom and Ruan Delport will continue their partnership, supported by a formidable loose trio consisting of Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, and WJ Steenkamp. This combination promises to bring grit and power to the forward battles.
Coming off the bench, Heiko Pohlmann is set to provide crucial front-row cover, while Sam Francis will be ready to jump in as flyhalf if called upon. This strategic reserve bench could be pivotal in maintaining the Lions' momentum through the game.
"We're turning the page on last season's disappointments and starting fresh. Dobela's energy and vision at the flyhalf position will be key for us as we face a tough Cardiff squad," said Coach Cash van Rooyen, signaling a new chapter for the team.
With several key players like Juan Schoeman and JC Pretorius sidelined due to injuries and Morne van den Berg out on national duty, the Lions' depth will be tested. Yet, the blend of experienced heads and fresh blood could be the formula that defines their season.
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In a fresh twist for the Lions' lineup, Lubabalo Dobela is set to command the field as flyhalf in the team's Vodacom URC season opener against Cardiff this Saturday. With Chris Smith sidelined due to a concussion, Coach Cash van Rooyen is shaking things up, hoping to bounce back from their Currie Cup final stumble.
Dobela, who's stepping in for Smith, will partner with Nico Steyn at scrumhalf, creating a dynamic duo that's expected to spice up the game. The team's backbone, captain Quan Horn, will lead the back three, which sees Tapiwa Mafura and Angelo Davids filling in the wings, bringing fresh legs and fervor to the lineup.
The forward pack remains robust with Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye anchoring the scrum alongside hooker Franco Marais and loosehead SJ Kotze. The locking duo of Dylan Sjoblom and Ruan Delport will continue their partnership, supported by a formidable loose trio consisting of Ruan Venter, Jarod Cairns, and WJ Steenkamp. This combination promises to bring grit and power to the forward battles.
Coming off the bench, Heiko Pohlmann is set to provide crucial front-row cover, while Sam Francis will be ready to jump in as flyhalf if called upon. This strategic reserve bench could be pivotal in maintaining the Lions' momentum through the game.
"We're turning the page on last season's disappointments and starting fresh. Dobela's energy and vision at the flyhalf position will be key for us as we face a tough Cardiff squad," said Coach Cash van Rooyen, signaling a new chapter for the team.
With several key players like Juan Schoeman and JC Pretorius sidelined due to injuries and Morne van den Berg out on national duty, the Lions' depth will be tested. Yet, the blend of experienced heads and fresh blood could be the formula that defines their season.
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn (c), 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze. Bench: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Sam Francis, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
As the whistle blows this Saturday, it's all eyes on Dobela and the Lions, eager to roar into the new season with a victory.