The Fidelity ADT Lions host the Airlink Pumas in a critical Round 2 Carling Currie Cup clash at 10bet Ellis Park this Saturday at 15:00 SAST. Both sides are desperate for their first victory of the campaign after suffering agonisingly close defeats in the opening round.
The Lions lost 29–27 to the Toyota Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last week, managing to secure two vital bonus points. Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has demanded tighter breakdown discipline following a costly string of penalties. To bolster the squad, Nkosi has introduced Junior Springbok stars Mahle Sithole and Thando Biyela into the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, the Airlink Pumas launched a massive second-half fightback in their opener but ultimately fell 26–24 to the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV in Mbombela. The current SA Cup champions desperately need to convert late momentum into a complete 80-minute performance. Skipper Willie Engelbrecht commands a revamped, highly aggressive pack that features several unforced tactical changes.
The Lions hold complete dominance in recent history, winning four consecutive matches against the Pumas in Currie Cup competition.
While the Pumas possess brutal physicality, the Lions' young core showed superior attacking structure away from home last week. Backed by altitude and the home crowd at Ellis Park, the Johannesburg team looks well-placed to cover the handicap and secure their first win of the tournament.
Rugby pundits heavily favour the Fidelity ADT Lions to secure the victory in this high-stakes clash. Analysts and local rugby writers expect the home side to not only win but comfortably clear a predicted 6-to-7 point winning margin.
Teams:
Fidelity ADT Lions: 15 Latica Nela, 14 Keagan Smith, Likhona Finca, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Zian Cilliers, 8 Morne Venter, 7 Jarod Cairs, 6 Thando Biyela, 5 Ruan Delport (c), 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Mahle Sithole, 1 Morgan Naude. Replacements: 16 Ruan Welman, 17 Cecil Parsons, 18 Ruan Swart, 19 Marco Ferreira, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Matthew Coetzee, 23 Exauce Kevani
Airlink Pumas: 15 Jaycee Nel, 14 Alfondso Isaacs, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Troy Delport, 11 Dalvron Blood, 10 Darnich Visagie, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Marvelous Mashimbyi, 7 Willie Engelbrecht (c), 6 De Wet Marais, 5 JJ Scheepers, 4 Stephan Krugel, 3 Junior Banda, 2 Chyle van Zyl, 1 Etienne Janeke. Replacements: 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Kudzwai Dube, 18 Bryan le Roux, 19 Andre Goedhals, 20 Thabo Ndimande, 21 Conor van Eeden, 22 Nevaldo Fleurs, 23 Velentino Wellman.