Lions out to clip Red Bulls' wings

The Lions are in Newcastle this week as they prepare to face the Newcastle Red Bulls for Round 2 of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday evening.

The team from Johannesburg will be eager to put up a for a solid performance after a disappointing loss to Benetton Rugby in Round 1 at Ellis Park this past weekend.

Despite the setback, Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse remains upbeat ahead of this crucial clash against a high-flying Newcastle side who overcame Lyon in France in the opening round.

“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend,” said Pieterse.

Head coach Ivan Rooyen has gone for a fresh-faced side for Round 2, with an emphasis exploring squad depth and most importantly, exposing a new player to European conditions and competition.

Loose forward Jarod Cairns, who provides experience from the bench, is excited at the energy his teammates will bring especially those getting an opportunity on Saturday.

“We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend,’ he said.

In team news, WJ Steenkamp wears the captain’s armband for Saturday’s clash. Siba Qoma returns with Renzo du Plessis completing the backrow. Richard Kriel and Manny Rass combine in the centres, in a backline that sees the return of Rabz Maxwane. Gianni Lombard occupies the last line of defence at fullback.

A return for hooker PJ Botha will add calm from the bench, with loan recruit Leon Lyons making his international debut for the Lions as an impact player.

Lions starting XV: 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids; 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 WJ Steenkamp (capt), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du plessis; 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Dylan Sjoblom; 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhard Jonker.

Newcastle Red Bulls v Lions - Saturday @ Kingston Park, Newcastle (7pm)

Referee: Benoit Rousselet (France)

TV: SuperSport