Ruan Delport takes the helm as the youthful captain for the Lions in their Currie Cup kickoff against the Cheetahs this Sunday in Bloemfontein. Following two consecutive, gut-wrenching defeats in the Currie Cup finals, Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has strategically molded a team infused with both seasoned players and rising stars, aiming to clinch the title in 2026. Delport will command the team from the second row, flanked by his teammate Dylan Sjoblom.
In the trenches, Delport is joined in the forward pack by front-rowers Morgan Naude, Armand Combrink, and Conraad van Vuuren. The back row boasts the 2024 Currie Cup Player of the Year, Renzo du Plessis, alongside Jarod Cairns and Morné Venter, completing a formidable lineup that blends experience with fresh talent.
The backline sees Zian Cilliers and Sam Francis pairing up as halfbacks, while centers Rynhardt Jonker and Likhona Finca aim to breach the defensive lines. On the wings, seasoned speedster Rabz Maxwane faces his former squad, guiding young talents Keegan Smith and Latica Nela in the back three. Layton Horn, making a comeback from injury, is a key inclusion on the bench.
"Faf is getting on in years, so hopefully the exuberance of youth can get one over him."
Coach Nkosi humorously remarks on the challenge posed by former Lions and current Cheetahs scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, setting the stage for a spirited encounter.
The Lions lineup is as follows: 1. Morgan Naude, 2. Armand Combrink, 3. Conraad van Vuuren, 4. Dylan Sjoblom, 5. Ruan Delport (c), 6. Renzo du Plessis, 7. Jarod Cairns, 8. Morné Venter, 9. Zian Cilliers, 10. Sam Francis, 11. Rabz Maxwane, 12. Rynhardt Jonker, 13. Likhona Finca, 14. Keegan Smith, 15. Latica Nela. Substitutes: 16. Mahle Sithole, 17. Cecil Parsons, 18. Ruan Swart, 19. Tiaan Wessels, 20. Thando Biyela, 21. Layton Horn, 22. Matthew Coetzee, 23. Exauce Kevani.
With a blend of seasoned warriors and dynamic newcomers, the Lions are poised not just to challenge the Cheetahs, but to redefine their future. This Sunday, all eyes will be on Bloemfontein as a new chapter in the Currie Cup unfolds.
