Horn back to lead the Lions against Zebre Parma

The Lions have welcomed back a few leading stars for the second round United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre at Stadio Lanfranchi in Parma on Sunday afternoon.

Their inspirational captain Francke Horn is back to lead the side at No 8, as is flyhalf Chris Smith after completing his return to play protocols and utility back Eduan Keyter.

In other changes, RF Schoeman comes in for Springbok tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who drops to the bench, while lock Etienne Oosthuizen is also back from injury and will partner with Ruan Delport in the second row.

Renzo du Plessis gets a start ahead of Jarod Cairns at No 6.

The Lions will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat against Cardiff but Zebre won’t be a pushover after they secured victory over Edinburgh in their season opener.

Lions forwards and line-out coach Barend Pieterse said: “Zebre is a team that’s improved significantly over the past few years. It’s not just about guts anymore, they’ve got a good system and coaches and you can see they’re well drilled.

“They’ve got dangerous attackers and a good backline. If we make the game too loose, they’ll be very dangerous.”

Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids; 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Smith; 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen; 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.

SUNDAY

Zebre Parma v Lions

Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 2pm IRE & UK/3pm ITA & SA

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 69th league game)

AR 1: Manuel Bottino (FIR) AR 2: Luca Bisetto (FIR)

TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)

Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv