Hold onto your jerseys, rugby fans! Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the powerhouse Springbok tighthead prop, is set to burn rubber and grass alike as he anchors the Lions for the much-anticipated Currie Cup final this Saturday. They will face off against the Griquas at the iconic Ellis Park. Leading the pride will be Bok fullback Quan Horn as captain, with Ntlabakanye stepping up as vice-captain.
In the midst of preparing for a clash that could cement his legacy, Ntlabakanye isn't just battling opponents on the field but also off it, as he returns amidst two looming doping charges. However, team spirits are high, and his readiness is palpable.
"Asenathi is emotionally ready for the Currie Cup final,"
confirmed assistant coach NKOSI, brushing aside any doubts about his focus and determination.The Lions will feel the absence of hooker PJ Botha, sidelined by a knee injury from the semi-final victory over Boland. Stepping into the breach is Franco Marais, completing the front row alongside Ntlabakanye and SJ Kotze. The lock duo Dylan Sjoblom and Ruan Delport remain unchanged, ensuring stability in the lineup.
The dynamic back-row trio of Jarod Cairns, Ruan Venter, and WJ Steenkamp promises relentless energy and grit. Meanwhile, the backline sees Nico Steyn pairing with flyhalf Chris Smith. The midfield synergy between Richard Kriel and Henco van Wyk will be crucial, supplemented by the electrifying pace of Angelo Davids, a four-try hero against Boland, alongside Kelly Mpeku and the captain Horn himself.
The bench looks robust with the likes of flanker Renzo du Plessis and Junior Boks scrum half Haashim Pead ready to inject fresh legs and vigor into the fray. The match kicks off at 3 PM, promising a showdown that will have fans on the edge of their seats.
LIONS – 15 Quan Horn (c), 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 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 Juan Schoeman, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
GRIQUAS – 15 Cameron Hufke, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurshwin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg