Horn leads injury-ravaged Lions against Cardiff

The Lions kick off their United Rugby Championship campaign against Cardiff this weekend without their new star flyhalf Chris Smith.

Lubabalo Dobela will step up in the No 10 berth while Springbok Quan Horns will lead the side from the fullback position, as he did in the Currie Cup final last weekend.

Tapiwa Mafura gets an opportunity on the right wing while the exciting Angelo Davids continues to hold on to the No 11 jersey.

The other Springbok in the Lions’ armour, Asenathi Ntlabakanye will front up with Franco Marais and SJ Kotze.

Heiko Pohlmann provides loosehead cover from the bench.

The Lions have a long list of injuries which includes PJ Botha, Jaco Visagie, Juan Schoeman, JC Pretorius, Francke Horn, Morgan Naude, Siba Qoma, Eduan Keyter and Rabz Maxwane.

Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn (capt), 14 Tapiwa Mafura, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids; 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod cairns; 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom; 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Sam Francis, 23 Rynardt Jonker.

SATURDAY

Cardiff Rugby v Lions

Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Fillipo Russo (FIR, 5th league game)

AR 1: Ben Breakspear (WRU) AR 2: Lucas Yendle (WRU)

TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)