The unbeaten log leaders Lions u/20 will host Eastern Province u/20 today in Johannesburg @ 13h00. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner at the Emirates Airline Park tomorrow while the visitors will be sent home with the wooden spoon.
There is nothing to be gained from this match for both sides, as Eastern Province is stuck at the bottom of the SARU u/20 Championship Log and the Lions only needs a win to book a home semi-final next weekend.
The Lions had to work extremely hard in Round 6 to secure a come from behind win (34-32) against the Leopards in Potchefstroom 2 weeks ago. The week before that they drew with DHL Western Province (24-24) in their only game that they did not win convincingly.
Eastern Province on the other hand did not win a game this season and was mauled (15-83) by the Vodacom Bulls in Round 6.
The Lions u/20 coaches made 5 changes to their starting lineup that travelled to Potchefstroom.
Two changes were made at the back. Setshaba Mokoena was promoted from the bench at fullback for his first start for the hosts. Boldwin Hansen at wing is also promoted for the bench, also for his start first start.
Upfront Izan Esterhuizen moves to #8 to make way for Ruan Venter at the side of the scrum. Venter played his last match for the Lions in Round 3 of the competition. The other change is at hooker where Ricardo Fourie is promoted from the bench.
Eastern Province also made 5 changes to their starting lineup.
Only 1 change was made at the back where Cadan-Wade Finnis was promoted from the bench replacing Tiaan de Klerk.
Upfront Ndoda Zono will be making his second appearance on the side of the scrum replacing Thabo Dyanti. Aseko Marubelela replaces Josh van Holdt at lock while Monre Prince replaces Janrico Malan at tighthead. Malan moves to loosehead replacing Jordon Caraher who drops out of the squad completely.
Teams:
Sigma Lions u20: 15. Setshaba Mokoena, 14. Indiphile Tyeda, 13. Ngia Selengbe, 12. Tyler Bocks (c), 11. Boldwin Hansen, 10. Jurich Claasens, 9. Nico Steyn, 8. Izan Esterhuizen, 7. Ruan Venter, 6. Jarrod Cairns, 5. Connor van Buuren, 4. Babalo Makana, 3. Sibusiso Shongwe, 2. Ricardo Fourie, 1. Heiko Pohlmann. Replacements: 16. Allister Williams, 17. Prince Mulea, 18. Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19. Hendrik Gouws, 20. Josh van Vreden, 21. Sihlalo Benge, 22. Liyema Matylweni, 23. Josh Jonas, 24. K Sono, 25. K Matlena.
Eastern Province: 15. Okkie Muller, 14. Aiden Augustus, 13. Cadan-Wade Finnis, 12. Troy Delport (c), 11. Shemondrey Hannes, 10. Diego Swartz, 9. Darrion Edwards, 8. Ruan Claassen, 7. Ndoda Zono, 6. Thabo Dyanti, 5. Dylan Halgreen, 4. Aseko Marubelela, 3. Monre Prince, 2. Yolisa Dladla, 1. Janrico Malan. Replacements: 16. Liyema Memani, 17. Jason Burton, 18. Marco Nortjie, 19. Monre vd Merwe, 20. Chris Qunta, 21. Tiaan de Klerk, 22. Sibusiso Hans, 23. Nkoka Ngobe.