The Lions U20 will launch their title defence against Eastern Province U20 in the SA Rugby U20 Cup on Friday. The match will be hosted at Emirates Airline Park.
Head Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi says there’s a positive energy amongst the players ahead of their opening fixture.
“The guys are really excited ahead of this year’s campaign in particular the new U19s,” says Nkosi.
“There’s a big responsibility upon them in trying to defend the title. To be fair however, it’s a new team with a new identity so we look forward to guiding them as they do it their own way.”
The Lions U20 mentor, who in concert with Wessel Roux steered the group to an unbeaten 2021 season, ultimately leading to the championship. With the bulk of that winning side currently featuring in Carling Currie Cup and Vodacom United Rugby Championship competitions, Nkosi believes this serves as inspiration for his young group.
“We pride ourselves at the Lions on our junior system. It’s not a destination but a pathway for our young players. Having a large part of last year’s group play in domestic and international competitions, it serves as a huge motivator for the current group, and they will hope to follow in their footsteps in months to come,” he concluded.
Kick-off is at 12:30.
Lions U20: 15. Sam Francis 14. Lindani Maphisa 13. Keegan Smith 12. Josh Jonas 11. Lungelo Sithole 10. Sihlalo Benge 9. Layton Horn 8. Sisonke Vumazonke 7. Tiaan Wessels 6. Joshua van Vreden (c) 5. Henk Gouws 4. Justin Kalamer 3. Heiko Pohlmann 2. Ricardo Fourie 1. SJ Kotze Replacements: 16. Sikholise Nanto 17. Ndinovuyo Holiday 18. RF Schoeman 19. Armin Weideman 20. Nathan Lainis 21. Tiaan van Wyk 22. Josh Harold 23. Divan Moss 24. Dan Botha. 25 Tyler van Wijk 26. Sifiso Dlamini