10bet Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has named his match-23 to face the All Blacks, blending the physical power of the squad's core leaders with some of the franchise's most exciting rising talent.
Dynamic number eight Francke Horn will captain the side, anchoring a forward pack that features a massive boost from the extended Springbok squad. Loosehead prop Boan Venter is named on the bench, ready to provide heavy physical impact in the second half, while fellow Springbok squad member Quan Horn starts at fullback to spearhead the counter-attack from the back.
The starting fifteen features an intriguing mix of youth and experience. In the backline, Chris Smit steps into the pivotal playmaker role at flyhalf, partnering with scrumhalf Nico Steyn. Powerful centre Henco van Wyk anchors the midfield alongside Richard Kriel, who shifts to inside centre. Out wide, Kelly Mpeku and Erich Cronje lock down the wing positions.
Up front, seasoned hooker PJ Botha joins props Sebastian Lombard and SJ Kotze in a battle-hardened front row. Etienne Oosthuizen and Ruan Delport pair up in the second row, while an athletic loose trio of Siba Mahashe, Batho Hlekani, and skipper Francke Horn completes the starting pack.
Van Rooyen has opted for a high-impact bench to match the All Blacks' late-game tempo. Along with Venter, front-row cover includes Morne Brandon and RF Schoeman. Lock Hyron Andrews and the explosive Sikhumbuzo Notshe add immense senior experience to the forward replacements, alongside relentless flanker JC Pretorius. Quick-witted scrumhalf Haashim Pead and versatile back Boeta Chamberlain complete the 23-man squad as tactical cover.
10bet Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.