Lions eye vital Currie Cup response in KZN

The Fidelity ADT Lions travel to Pietermaritzburg this Friday night for a crucial Round 6 Carling Currie Cup clash against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV, with valuable play-off points on the line.

With the race for semi-final places intensifying, Mziwakhe Nkosi’s side head into the fixture knowing that a strong response is required after last Friday’s defeat to the Sanlam Boland Cavaliers. The Lions remain firmly in the play-off conversation but Friday’s encounter at Woodburn Stadium (7.15pm) presents an important opportunity to regain momentum in the closing stages of the pool phase.

Nkosi has effected several changes to his matchday squad which sees Renzo du Plessis earn a starting opportunity, while a fresh front row featuring Juan Schoeman, Armand Combrinck and Conraad van Vuuren will pack down for the Lions. In the backline, scrumhalf Zian Cilliers returns, with Latica Nela also back on the left wing.

Friday could also mark the long-awaited senior debut of schoolboy and Junior Springbok sensation Ethan Adams who could make an appearance from the bench.

Reflecting on last week’s result, Lions captain Jarod Cairns said improved execution inside the opposition 22 would be critical against Sharks XV.

“We certainly need to be better with our 22m conversions. We have to be more accurate when we create opportunities to score points,” said Cairns.

Asked to lead the side in absence of regular captain Ruan Delport, Cairns says he relishes the opportunity to lead a young and excited side in this campaign. The seriousness of the last two games however is something Cairns and his next generation of players do not take lightly.

“It’s been a privilege to lead such a young, talented group. The vibe and energy within the group makes it easy to lead this group of boys.

“With the Sharks also in play-off contention, it becomes a do or die for both teams, so it would be silly of us to approach this game lightly. Crucial for us is to go there and deliver what we worked on this week,” he concluded.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Christie Grobbelaar, 13 Lyle Matthews, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Khuthi Rasivhaga; 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Ross Braude (capt); 8 Tino Mavesere, 7 Meno Barnard, 6 Jean-Henri Smit; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Johan Momsen; 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Jaco du Toit, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Danio Botha, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Juan Loots, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Albie Bester.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Keagan Smith, 13 Likhona Finca, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Latica Nela; 10 Sam Francis, 9 Zian Cilliers; 8 Renzo du Plessis, 7 Jarod Cairns (capt), 6 Thando Biyela; 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Siba Qoma; 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Armand Combrinck, 1 Juan Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Liyema Ntshanga, 18 Siya Dube, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Vuyo Gwiji, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Ethan Adams, 23 Luke Cannon

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV v Fidelity ADT Lions - Friday @ Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg (7.15pm)

Referee: Juan de Bod

TV: SuperSport