The Lions u/20 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 @ 12h30.
Nothing much is known of the Eastern Province u/20 side, however, as in 2021 they will not be a threat at all to any of the other competing Unions. The Lions will start the defence of their title with a convincing win.
Lions u/20 Head Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi says there’s 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 u/20 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.
Teams:
Lions u/20: 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.
Eastern Province u/20: 15. M Fortuin, 14. O Chicumbu, 13. E Walters, 12. T de Klerk, 11. L Milborrow, 10. M de Ridder, 9. A Williams, 8. R Claassen, 7. E van Tonder, 6. H Bronkhorst, 5. N Carr, 4. D Kromhout, 3. J Malan, 2. K Cordier (c), 1. S King. Replacements: 16. H van der Merwe, 17. A Nyandoro, 18. S Septoe, 19. M van der Merwe, 20. D Rudman, 21. M Flam, 22. B Drans, 23. B Makoba.
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