Delport leads Lions as they launch Currie Cup campaign in Bloem

The Fidelity ADT Lions will kick off their Carling Currie Cup campaign against the Toyota Cheetahs on Sunday at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, with head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi setting a clear tone for the season ahead: showcasing the next generation of Lions talent.

After reaching the final in two consecutive seasons, the men from Jozi will be determined to take the next step this year and go all the way in one of South African rugby’s most historic competitions.

Nkosi has named a Match 23 that blends familiar, experienced campaigners with an exciting group of young players who will be eager to make their mark and potentially shape the future of the Lions.

The opening fixture presents an early opportunity for the Lions to lay down a marker away from home, while also giving supporters a glimpse of the depth, energy and ambition within the squad.

With a strong core of seasoned players such as Jarod Cairns, Rabz Maxwane and Morgan Naude guiding the group, the campaign will place a major emphasis on development, opportunity and continuity as the Lions look to build on recent Currie Cup performances.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Nkosi is expecting a physical encounter with astute tactics playing a huge role towards the end result.

"There is a hell of a lot of excitement," said Nkosi, noting that the first game of any campaign carries a unique spark.

“For us, the Currie Cup remains the crown jewel of South African domestic rugby - a tournament capable of defining careers and galvanizing entire franchises,” he added.

“But this year, the excitement is amplified by a dual purpose: testing the limits of the squad while showcasing a highly anticipated wave of emerging talent.”

Though the Cheetahs struggled to hit their stride during the SA Cup, Nkosi warns against reading too much into those results. Cheetahs mastermind Frans Steyn has spent the early part of the year heavily rotating his squad to build depth, making them an unpredictable to prepare for.

A notable inclusion in the opponents starting XV is that of former Lions product and Springbok Faf de Klerk - a player who knows the Lions' systems well but Nkosi is hoping the youthful energy of his own backline can neutralize the veteran's wisdom.

"Faf is getting on in the years," Nkosi joked. "So hopefully the exuberance of youth can get one over him."

In team news, lock Ruan Delport leads the charges from the second row. The tournament’s best player in 2024 Renzo du Plessis features in a back row featuring youngster Morne Venter at the back of the scrum. Amongst the backs, Maxwane faces his former team coupled with the responsibility of playing a mentorship role to the likes of Keegan Smith (right wing) and Latica Nela (fullback). Scrumhalf Layton Horn is a notable inclusion on the bench after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Kick-off at the Toyota Stadium is at 1pm.

Toyota Cheetahs starting XV: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Cohen Jasper, 13 Munier Hartzenberg, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Michael Annies; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Faf de Klerk; 8 Neels Volschenk (capt), 7 Juan Venter, 6 Ramon Uys; 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Carl Wegner; 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Tielman Niewoudt. Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Dux Manyama, 18 Frankie Dos Reis, 19 Simon Muller, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Ethan Wentzel, 23 Prince Nkabinde.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Latica Nela, 14 Keegan Smith, 13 Likhona Finca, 12 Rynhardt jonker, 11 Rbaz Maxwane; 10 Sam Francis, 9 Zian Cilliers; 8 Morne venter, 7 Jarod cairns, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Ruan Delport (capt), 4 Dylan Sjoblom; 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Armand Combrink, 1 Morgan naude. Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Cecil Parsons, 18 Ruan Swart, 19 Tiaan Wessels, 20 Thando Biyela, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Matthew Coetzee, 23 Exauce Kevani.

Toyota Cheetahs v Fidelity ADT Lions - Sunday @ Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein (1pm)

Referee: Dylen November

Broadcast: SuperSport