Lions assistant coach Jaque Fourie confirmed that several players, who have been sidelined through injury, are fit and available for their second-round United Rugby Championship match on Sunday against Zebre Parma in Italy at 16:00 (SA Time).
According to Fourie, captain Francke Horn, flyhalf Chris Smith, and utility back Eduan Keyter should all be in contention for Sunday’s vital clash.
"It’s still a long season, and I think we’ve had a lot of big injuries, just look at our hookers. Francke is fit again, so we’re probably looking at getting him in this week or next weekend. Chris is also back, and he’s a very important player for us at 10. You need someone to drive your team to play in the right areas, so he’s also looking good for this weekend. Eduan is also fit again, so hopefully we can give him a run."
"So, a few guys are coming back at the right time. Hopefully, we can get them on the field."
Fourie was clear on what the Lions need to do to secure their first win in the 2025/2026 United Rugby Championship: "As a team, we have to stick together. Rugby is a very fickle game; when you win, everything is going well, but if you lose, everyone wants your job."
"We’re all confident in what we need to do and what we need to achieve this season, and luckily, everyone in the management group here at the Lions is on the same page. It’s a long competition and there are a few things we need to fix, but we’re not too far off."
What the Lions are expecting from Zebre, Fourie said: "Zebre have improved immensely over the last three years. They’re a team that never gives up."
"If you look at the game against Edinburgh, they play with a lot of freedom, and they played a good game. There are no more easy teams in the URC. Every team you play at their home ground is going to be tough, so you’ve got to rock up 100% ready to play and perform."