The Lions will host Lyon Olympique Universitaire in a crucial EPCR Challenge Cup match on Saturday in Johannesburg at 17:15 (SA Time).
Both teams have struggled in the competition so far, having both lost their opening two matches, making this a vital game for their playoff aspirations.
The Lions are coming off a morale-boosting win in the URC, but their overall Challenge Cup form has been inconsistent. Lyon has won only one of their last five matches across all competitions.
The match at altitude in Johannesburg's Ellis Park provides a significant physical advantage for the home side.
The Lions have made just one change to their backline, with Richard Kriel starting on the right wing. Junior Springbok flanker Batho Hlekani is set to make his debut from the bench, while star centre Henco van Wyk also returns from injury as a replacement. The forward pack remains largely consistent as the Lions look to build on their recent URC victory over the Sharks.
The Lions are also set to unleash Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani. 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 stage of the competition.
Lyon's team selection is less clear, as French teams often rotate their squads for away matches, but they will be relying on key players like half-back Esteban Gonzalez to orchestrate their attack.
Teams
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Eddie Davids. 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.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire: 15 Alexandre Tchaptchet, 14 Charly Mignot, 13 Alfred Parisien, 12 Josiah Maraku, 11 Arthur Mathiron, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Esteban Gonzalez, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Beka Saginadze, 6 Antoine Deliance (captain), 5 Killian Geraci, 4 Félix Lambey, 3 Cedate Gomes Sa, 2 Mathis Sarragallet, 1 Hamza Kaabeche. Replacements: 16 Thomas Marceline, 17 Jérôme Rey, 18 Ave Maalo, 19 Mickael Guillard, 20 Liam Allen, 21 Lilian Baret, 22 Iosefo Balewairiki, 23 Jiuta Wainiqolo.