The unbeaten Lions u/20 will host the Cell C Sharks in Johannesburg today @ 13h00 in the first semi-final of the SARU u/20 Championship.
The Lions u/20 had to work hard in Round 3 when they hosted the Cell C Sharks u/20 to beat the visitors 27-15. The halftime score was 12-12 and the two unanswered tries by the hosts in the second half sealed the win.
The Sharks u/20 will bank on their top try scorer Jacques Goosen to continue his and the team's driving mauls to upset the hosts while the Lions u/20's backline will use every opportunity to tear the Sharks u/20's defence apart.
The Lions u/20 is unbeaten with the draw against DHL Western Province (24-24) in Round 5 their only hiccup. They come off an easy 53-20 win against Eastern Province's u/20 side in Round 7 at home.
The Lions u/20 made only two changes to their starting line-up. Quan Horn replaces Setshaba Mokoena at fullback with Setshaba dropping to the bench. The only change up front is Jacque-Lois du Toit who returns to hooker, replacing Ricardo Fourie. The most significant change on the bench is the return of star centre Henco van Wyk who played his last match in Round 5.
The Cell C Sharks u/20 comes of a hard-earned win against a very good Leopards u/20 team to secure their place in this semi-final. The Cell C Sharks won 3 from their 6 league matches with their other losses coming against the Vodacom Bulls u/20 (31-33) and DHL Western Province u/20 (21-48).
The Cell Sharks u/20 also made two changes to their starting lineup. Lloyd Koster replaces Curwin Gertse on the wing in the only change at the back. Upfront Siya Ningiza replaces Enos Ndiao on the side of the scrum.
Sigma Lions u20: 15. Quan Horn, 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. Jacque-Lois du Toit, 1. Heiko Pohlmann. Replacements: 16. Allister Williams, 17. Okuhle Siyeni, 18. Kabous Bezuidenhout, 19. Justin Kalamer, Sisonke Vumazonke, 21. Sihlalo Benge, 22. Josh Jonas, 23. Setshaba Mokoena, 24. Henco van Wyk, 25. Josh van Vreden, 26. Prince Mulea
Cell C Sharks u/20: 15. Matthew Jacobs, 14. Lloyd Koster, 13. Ethan Fisher, 12. Brandon Wilkie, 11. Siviwe Zondani, 10. Kian Meadon, 9. Bradley Davids, 8. Renzo du Plessis, 7. Siya Ningiza, 6. Jaques Marais, 5. Ockie Barnard, 4. Corne Rahl, 3. Blaine Golden, 2. Jacques Goosen, 1. Henko Smuts. Replacements: 16. Jordan Mcloughlin, 17. Charles Gamhiwa, 18. Munashe Mhere, 19. Andrew Beyrooti, 20. Tiaan Jonker, 21. Daimon O’Connell, 22. Warrick Day, 23. Liqhayiya Gantsho, 24. Lathi Nqebe, 25. Boomer Bomela.