Pead starts for Lions in Currie Cup semi-final against Griquas

The Fidelity ADT Lions return to Kimberely on Sunday, this time for a semi-final date with the Suzuki Griquas as the Carling Currie Cup reaches its conclusion with only the final remaining after this weekend’s knockout games. In their last visit to the Diamond City almost a month ago, the Joburgers went down 31-19 in Round 4 of the competition but Sunday presents a different challenge for head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi’s next generation of Lions.

“It’s going to require us to roll up our sleeves,” expressed Nkosi.

“Griquas are a big challenge for us. They have shown this season that they are the team to beat. They are top of the log by some distance, so we are alive to the challenge that we have ahead of us, exacerbated by the fact we have to play away,” he pointed out.

Nkosi acknowledged the fact that his side wear the underdog tag going into the semi-finals especially with previous results at the same venue.

“We are definitely underdogs. We didn’t give a good account of ourselves last time we were there, so come Sunday we need to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game,” he concluded.

In team news, Ruan Delport returns at lock and leads the side after returning from suspension. Delport last played against the Vodacom Bulls XV in Round 3 of the competition but featured for the 10bet Lions against the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

Also included is scrumhalf Haashim Pead who will be tasked with marshalling the backline in partnership with Matt Coetzee.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Keagan Smith, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Latica Nela; 10 Matt Coetzee, 9 Haashim Pead; 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Renzo du Plessis, 6 Thando Biyela; 5 Ruan Delport (capt), 4 Siba Qoma; 3 Ruan Swart, 2 Armand Combrinck, 1 Juan Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Siya Dube, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 JD Hattingh, 21 Asad Moos, 22 Exauce Kevani, 23 Luke Cannon.

Suzuki Griquas v Fidelity ADT Lions - Sunday @ Suzuki Stadium, Kimberley (1pm)

Referee: Griffin Colby

TV: SuperSport