In an exciting update for rugby fans, the Lions are set to introduce Junior Springboks stars Mahle Sithole and Thando Biyela in their upcoming Currie Cup clash this Saturday against the Pumas at Ellis Park. Notably, Asad Moos is also scheduled to make his Lions debut.
Sithole will be stepping in as hooker, replacing the injured Armand Combrink, and Biyela will take the field as the blindside flank, with Renzo du Plessis moving to the reserves. Former Western Province player, Asad Moos, is expected to bring fresh energy to the team from the bench.
The Lions are on the hunt for their first season win after a close defeat in their opener against the Cheetahs, where they managed to secure two bonus points. On the other side, Jimmy Stonehouse's Pumas are looking to bounce back after a loss at home against the Sharks XV.
Lions head coach Mzwakhe Nkosi reflected on last week's performance and the upcoming game, noting:
"The result was obviously not what we wanted, but there were some great things we took away from it. The Pumas are a very good outfit and we would need to work on our discipline."
Here’s how the teams will line up:
- 1. Morgan Naude
- 2. Mahle Sithole
- 3. Conraad van Vuuren
- 4. Dylan Sjoblom
- 5. Ruan Delport (c)
- 6. Thando Biyela
- 7. Jarod Cairns
- 8. Morne Venter
- 9. Zian Cilliers
- 10. Sam Francis
- 11. Rabz Maxwane
- 12. Rynhardt Jonker
- 13. Likhona Finca
- 14. Keegan Smith
- 15. Latica Nela
Substitutes:
- 16. Ruan Welman
- 17. Cecil Parsons
- 18. Ruan Swart
- 19. Marco Ferreira
- 20. Renzo du Plessis
- 21. Asad Moos
- 22. Matthew Coetzee
- 23. Exauce Kevani
This weekend's match promises intense competition and perhaps, pivotal shifts in the Currie Cup standings. As the Lions prepare to defend their turf at Ellis Park, all eyes will be on these fresh talents to see if they can turn the tide for their team.
