The Lions are in Newcastle this week as they prepare to face the Newcastle Red Bulls for Round 2 of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday evening at 19:30 (SA Time).
The team from Johannesburg will be eager to put up a solid performance after a disappointing loss to Benetton Rugby in Round 1 at Ellis Park this past weekend.
Despite the setback, Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse remains upbeat ahead of this crucial clash against a high-flying Newcastle side, who overcame Lyon in France in the opening round.
“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hop,e and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend,” said Pieterse.
Head coach Ivan Rooyen has gone for a fresh-faced side for Round 2, with an emphasis on exploring squad depth and, most importantly, exposing a new player to European conditions and competition.
Loose forward Jarod Cairns, who provides experience from the bench, is excited about the energy his teammates will bring, especially those getting an opportunity on Saturday.
“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope, and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend,’ he said.
In team news, WJ Steenkamp wears the captain’s armband for Saturday’s clash. Siba Qoma returns with Renzo du Plessis completing the backrow. Richard Kriel and Manny Rass combine in the centres, in a backline that sees the return of Rabz Maxwane. Gianni Lombard occupies the last line of defence at fullback.
A return for hooker PJ Botha will add calm from the bench, with loan recruit Leon Lyons making his international debut for the Lions as an impact player.
Lions 23 vs Newcastle Red Bulls
1. Eddie Davids
2. Morne Brandon
3. RF Schoeman
4. Dylan Sjoblom
5. Rubem Schoeman
6. Renzo du Plessis
7. Siba Qoma
8. WJ Steenkamp (c)
9. Nico Steyn
10. Sam Francis
11. Angelo Davids
12. Richard Kriel
13. Manuel Rass
14. Rabz Maxwane
15. Gianni Lombard
Replacements
16. PJ Botha
17. Leon Lyons
18. Conraad van Vuuren
19. Ruan Delport
20. Jarod Cairns
21. Haashim Pead
22. Lubabalo Dobela
23. Rynhard Jonker
