Oh boy, the Lions are shaking things up! After a less-than-stellar start to their EPCR Challenge Cup journey, losing 26-18 to Benetton on home turf, the Johannesburg squad is rolling out some major changes for their upcoming clash with the Newcastle Red Bulls this Saturday at Kingston Park. It looks like it's all hands on deck as they try to steer their European campaign back on track.
Leading the charge in this tactical shuffle is WJ Steenkamp, who will not only be making his mark at No 8 but also taking on the captaincy. Talk about a double whammy! Joining the fray in the starting line-up is flanker Siba Qoma, and Renzo du Plessis, who rounds off a revamped back row that’s looking to inject some much-needed dynamism into the team.
The backline sees some fresh faces too. Richard Kriel will be pairing up with Manuel Rass in the centres, hoping to punch through the Red Bulls' defenses. On the wings, Rabz Maxwane is set to make a high-speed comeback on the right, while the fullback jersey sees a new occupant in Gianni Lombard, giving Quan Horn a breather this week.
"We've made necessary adjustments to tackle the challenges head-on. The team is revved up and ready to turn the tables in Newcastle,"
said an anonymous team spokesperson.
Adding to the bench strength, PJ Botha is slotted as hooker cover, and Leon Lyons, on loan, is prepped to make a smashing European debut, adding further depth to the Lions' arsenal.
The game, set to kick off at 7:30pm SA time this Saturday, promises some intense rugby action. Whether these lineup changes will be the catalyst the Lions need to roar back into contention remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, it's going to be a nail-biter!
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Oh boy, the Lions are shaking things up! After a less-than-stellar start to their EPCR Challenge Cup journey, losing 26-18 to Benetton on home turf, the Johannesburg squad is rolling out some major changes for their upcoming clash with the Newcastle Red Bulls this Saturday at Kingston Park. It looks like it's all hands on deck as they try to steer their European campaign back on track.
Leading the charge in this tactical shuffle is WJ Steenkamp, who will not only be making his mark at No 8 but also taking on the captaincy. Talk about a double whammy! Joining the fray in the starting line-up is flanker Siba Qoma, and Renzo du Plessis, who rounds off a revamped back row that’s looking to inject some much-needed dynamism into the team.
The backline sees some fresh faces too. Richard Kriel will be pairing up with Manuel Rass in the centres, hoping to punch through the Red Bulls' defenses. On the wings, Rabz Maxwane is set to make a high-speed comeback on the right, while the fullback jersey sees a new occupant in Gianni Lombard, giving Quan Horn a breather this week.
"We've made necessary adjustments to tackle the challenges head-on. The team is revved up and ready to turn the tables in Newcastle,"
said an anonymous team spokesperson.Adding to the bench strength, PJ Botha is slotted as hooker cover, and Leon Lyons, on loan, is prepped to make a smashing European debut, adding further depth to the Lions' arsenal.
The game, set to kick off at 7:30pm SA time this Saturday, promises some intense rugby action. Whether these lineup changes will be the catalyst the Lions need to roar back into contention remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, it's going to be a nail-biter!
LIONS – 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp (c), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Rubem Schoeman, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids. Bench: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhard Jonker.