The clash between third-placed Fidelity ADT Lions and the log-leading Suzuki Griquas on Saturday at 17:00 (SA Time) in Johannesburg is a high-stakes affair. Since losing their opening round, Griquas have won five straight games, including impressive victories over the Bulls and Cheetahs.
The log leaders from Kimberley have been a model of consistency, and their fate is firmly in their own hands as victory will not only secure their playoff berth, but also guarantee them a home semi-final. However, a loss without a bonus point could see them drop as low as fourth place if other results go against them.
A bonus-point win for the Lions would catapult them into contention for a top two finish and a home semi-final if the Kavaliers stumble in Cape Town. If the Pumas secure a bonus-point win against the Sharks XV, a Lions defeat would see them drop out of the top four, ending their season. Although Griquas hold a slight edge in this match-up, with three wins from their last five encounters, they'll be looking for their first win at Ellis Park in three visits.
Didelity ADT Lions’ Nkosi and co. have gone the consistency route by sticking to last week’s run on XV, with three changes on the bench, namely Renzo du Plessis in place of Tian Wessels and Lubabalo Dobelo coming in for Sam Francis, who suffered a head knock against the Bulls. Centre Rynhardt Jonker replaces Eduan Keyter.
Suzuki Griquas head coach Pieter Bergh made only one change to the team. The change was made at the back. Connor Mahoney is promoted from the bench to replace Cameron Hufke at fullback. Hufke will start off the bench.
Teams:
Fidelity ADT Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 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 RF Schoeman, 2 PJ Botha (c), 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
Suzuki Griquas: 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelenedaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams, 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen, 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malembe Mpofu, 2 Cebo Dlamini (c), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, Cameron Hufke.