The stage is set in Johannesburg tomorrow for a heavyweight encounter as the unbeaten Lions host the Vodacom Bulls XV in the SA U-23 final at Ellis Park, 13:00 (SA Time). With regional pride and silverware on the line, the visitors have named a formidable side designed to dismantle the hosts’ winning streak through set-piece dominance and second-half intensity.
The Vodacom Bulls’ pack receives a significant boost with the inclusion of Mornay Smith in the starting lineup. His experience at the coalface will be vital against a Lions unit that has yet to taste defeat this season.
Further class returns to the squad in the form of Heinrich Theron and KB Maake. Fresh from SA U/20 international duty, their return injects high-level tactical awareness and depth into the side at a crucial moment, ensuring the Vodacom Bulls can match the Lions’ clinical execution.
The tactical narrative of this final may well be decided in the final 30 minutes. The Vodacom Bulls coaching staff has opted for a physical 6–2 split on the bench, signalling an intent to grind the Lions down.
The “Bomb Squad” features a wealth of front-line talent, including Alulutho Tshakweni, Khutha Mchunu and Reinhardt Ludwig.
By holding back these impactful forwards, the Vodacom Bulls aim to maintain a relentless level of physicality and defensive intensity in the second half, a strategy designed to exploit any fatigue in the unbeaten Lions camp.
It’s shaping up to be a classic tactical battle: the Lions’ momentum versus the Vodacom Bulls’ calculated power. Expect a high-intensity final where the bench depth could be the ultimate decider.
The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport’s YouTube channel.
Vodacom Bulls U23 XV: 1. Damian Baker, 2. Jean Else (c), 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Heinrich Theron, 5. Ulrich van der Westhuizen, 6. KB Maake, 7. JJ Theron, 8. Junior Pokomela, 9. Neil le Roux, 10. Keagan Johannes, 11. Riyaad Bam, 12. PA van Niekerk, 13. Demitre Erasmus, 14. Ruan Enslin, 15. Henry Immelman, Replacements: 16. Jaundre Schoeman, 17. Alulutho Tshakweni, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Shaun Schurmann, 21. Dieter Schubert, 22. Brooklyn Newman, 23. Pieter van der Merwe.