The Lions are set to unleash Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani this Saturday for their Round 3 EPCR Challenge Cup against French outfit Lyon at Ellis Park. Kick off in Johannesburg is at 17:15 (SA Time).
The former Sharks flanker reported for training with his new club last week, and head coach Ivan van Rooyen wasted no time by including the 115kg giant in his match 23. The Gqeberha-born Hlekani has been asked to provide impact from the bench, with a powerful starting line-up announced to take on the physical Lyon. Both sides are yet to register a win in the competition, making Saturday the perfect opportunity to salvage an outside chance entry into the play-off stages of the competition.
Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys, in his analysis of his opponents, stressed how good their set piece is and the danger they possess once momentum is acquired.
“The difficult thing about the French teams is that you never know which team you are going to play,” Redelinghuys said.
“Home or away, you can never be sure of who is going to be selected. They are very good when they get momentum at the beginning, coupled with a very good kicking game.
“The French are smart when they shoot up, and they are careful in their own half until they feel they can make an attack. For us, we know we have to be awake,” he cautioned.
“Obviously, they bring a massive set-piece focus. They pride themselves on that,” he concluded.
In team news, Conrad van Vuuren is selected at tighthead prop with Asenathi Ntlabakanye nursing a hamstring niggle. Renzo du Plessis gets an opportunity in the backrow alongside skipper Francke Horn and Siba Qoma.
Only one change in the backline in the form of Richard Kriel at right wing. Returns for Henco van Wyk on the bench and Sebastian Lombard from injury. Junior Springbok Haashim Pead and Rabz Maxwane complete the rest.
Lions: 1. Eddie Davids, 2. PJ Botha, 3. Conrad van Vuuren, 4. Dylan Sjoblom, 5. Ruan Delport, 6. Renzo du Plessis, 7. Siba Qoma, 8. Francke Horn (c), 9. Morne van den Berg, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Angelo Davids, 12. Bronson Mills, 13. Erich Cronje, 14. Richard Kriel, 15. Quan Horn. Replacements: 16. Morne Brandon, 17. RF Schoeman, 18. Sebastian Lombard, 19. Ruben Schoeman, 20. Batho Hlekani, 21. Haashim Pead, 22. Henco van Wyk, 23. Rabz Maxwane.