Springbok standout Ruan Venter is sliding back into his prime position as a loose forward, injecting familiar vigor into the Lions’ lineup as they set their sights on conquering Leinster in Dublin this Saturday. With a critical phase of the season at hand, the Lions are gunning for victories in their final two away games to clinch a home quarter-final—and possibly a semi-final. Their campaign continues against Munster the following weekend.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is sticking to his guns, relying on the core team responsible for a formidable six-game win streak, albeit with strategic tweaks to the squad. The return of lock Etienne Oosthuizen from injury is a key change, permitting Venter to revert to his preferred role at flank, while Batho Hlekani will take a seat on the bench. Amidst these tactical shifts, centre Richard Kriel is poised to celebrate his 50th cap for the team, adding a layer of personal milestone to the high-stakes match.
"We're fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Leinster is a formidable side, but we've prepared well and are eager to bring our best game to Dublin,"
stated Van Rooyen, emphasizing the team's readiness and determination.
The squad for the upcoming clash is as follows: Starting with Quan Horn at fullback, followed by Erich Cronjé and Henco van Wyk at wing and outside centre respectively. Richard Kriel pairs with Angelo Davids in the midfield while Chris Smith and Morne van den Berg handle the fly-half and scrum-half duties. The forward pack sees Francke Horn leading as captain and eight-man, flanked by Ruan Venter and Siba Mahashe, with Reinhard Nothnagel and Etienne Oosthuizen locking down the scrum. The front row consists of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, PJ Botha, and SJ Kotze. Bench support includes Franco Marais, Eddie Davids, Sebastian Lombard, Darrien Landsberg, Batho Hlekani, JC Pretorius, Nico Steyn, and Kelly Mpeku.
This roster configuration by Van Rooyen aims to maintain the momentum built over the recent victories, ensuring the team remains a cohesive and formidable opponent as they face the critical battles ahead in their United Rugby Championship journey.
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Springbok standout Ruan Venter is sliding back into his prime position as a loose forward, injecting familiar vigor into the Lions’ lineup as they set their sights on conquering Leinster in Dublin this Saturday. With a critical phase of the season at hand, the Lions are gunning for victories in their final two away games to clinch a home quarter-final—and possibly a semi-final. Their campaign continues against Munster the following weekend.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen is sticking to his guns, relying on the core team responsible for a formidable six-game win streak, albeit with strategic tweaks to the squad. The return of lock Etienne Oosthuizen from injury is a key change, permitting Venter to revert to his preferred role at flank, while Batho Hlekani will take a seat on the bench. Amidst these tactical shifts, centre Richard Kriel is poised to celebrate his 50th cap for the team, adding a layer of personal milestone to the high-stakes match.
"We're fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Leinster is a formidable side, but we've prepared well and are eager to bring our best game to Dublin,"
stated Van Rooyen, emphasizing the team's readiness and determination.The squad for the upcoming clash is as follows: Starting with Quan Horn at fullback, followed by Erich Cronjé and Henco van Wyk at wing and outside centre respectively. Richard Kriel pairs with Angelo Davids in the midfield while Chris Smith and Morne van den Berg handle the fly-half and scrum-half duties. The forward pack sees Francke Horn leading as captain and eight-man, flanked by Ruan Venter and Siba Mahashe, with Reinhard Nothnagel and Etienne Oosthuizen locking down the scrum. The front row consists of Asenathi Ntlabakanye, PJ Botha, and SJ Kotze. Bench support includes Franco Marais, Eddie Davids, Sebastian Lombard, Darrien Landsberg, Batho Hlekani, JC Pretorius, Nico Steyn, and Kelly Mpeku.
This roster configuration by Van Rooyen aims to maintain the momentum built over the recent victories, ensuring the team remains a cohesive and formidable opponent as they face the critical battles ahead in their United Rugby Championship journey.