The Lions u/20 team travels to Potchefstroom today to play against the Leopards u/20 @ 11h00 and hopefully continue their unbeaten streak stretching since 2021.
The Lions comes off a brilliant and powerful display against Eastern Province u20 (42-00) in a match that was stopped due to extreme weather at the halftime break.
The Leopards u/20 lost 28-74 against the Vodacom Bulls u/20. The score, however, does not tell the full story. Trailing by 07-50 at halftime the Leopards u/20 matched the Vodacom Bulls for the rest of the math in a fast and physical 2nd half.
The Lions u/20 showed that they will once again be a force to be reckoned with in 2022 and is the early favourites to regain their 2021 crown.
If the hosts can withstand the powerful pack of the Lions they should be able to frighten their visitors, however, the class and the power of these young Lions team should be more than enough to withstand anything that the Lions can throw at them.
The Leopards u/20 made five changes to their starting line-up who will host the unbeaten Lions u/20 tomorrow in Potchefstroom @ 11h00.
Three changes were made at the back. Logan Janeke will start on the wing while Christiaan Gates (#10) and Marquin Uren (#9) will be the new halfback pairing for the hosts.
Upfront Robert Adshade is promoted off the bench at lock while Stephan van Graan is the new face at tighthead prop.
The Lions U20 make the trip to Potchefstroom to face Leopards U20 for their second match of the SA Rugby U20 Cup on Saturday at 11h00.
Nkosi says travelling to Potchefstroom is never easy and has encouraged his young team to show adaptability and remain within the confine' of the team’s strategy.
“The Leopards are a tricky team, particularly at home,” warns Nkosi.
“The aim is not to offer them opportunities because we know once their tails are up, they could be a difficult outfit to put away,” he concluded.
Leopards u/20: 15. Luan van der Walt, 14. Logan Janeke, 13. Christiaan Vlok, 12. Riego Heath, 11. Simuthembile Ntleki, 10. Christiaan Gates, 9. Marquin Uren, 8.Tsimolle Mogale, 7. Jakkie Eloff,6. Hennie du Rand,5. Robert Adshade, 4. Tian van Zyl, 3. Stephan van Graan, 2. Brandon Beukes, 1. Daniel Theron.
Lions u20: Sam Francis 14. Josh Herold 13. Josh Jonas 12. Bronson Mills 11. Keagan Smith 10. Sihlalo Benge 9. Nico Steyn 8. Sisonke Vumazonke 7. Tiaan Wessels 6. Joshua van Vreden 5. Henk Gouws 4. Justin Kalamer 3. John-Kelly Okonkwo 2. Ricardo Fourie 1. Heiko Pohlmann. Replacements: Sikholise Nanto 17. SJ Kotze 18. RF Schoeman 19. Armin Weideman 20. Nathan Lainis 21. Layton Horn 22. Lungelo Sithole 23. Divan Moss 24. Dan Botha 25. Tyler van Wijk 26. Ndinovuyo Holiday.