Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has maintained the bulk of the Currie Cup side who did duty in last week’s agonising result in the final against the Suzuki Griquas at Ellis Park as his Lions outfit prepares to face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park this Saturday evening at 20:45 (SA Time).
Van Rooyen said his men have shaken off the Currie Cup disappointment and immediately shifted their focus to international club duty with a daunting three-week tour to Wales and Italy, where they face Cardiff, Zebre and Benetton.
Lubabalo Dobela will be tasked to steer the Lions’ backline in the absence of Chris Smith, who suffered a head knock against the Griquas in last week’s final, meaning he is currently undergoing the necessary protocol before returning to action. Zimbabwean international Tapiwa Mafura gets his opportunity on the right wing, in a back three which sees superstar winger Angelo Davids make his first international appearance for his new club and Springbok Quan Horn captaining the side from the fullback position.