Pead, Van Wyk start for Lions as they hunt Perpignan scalp

The Lions will be looking to make it two wins in a row against French sides in the EPCR Challenge Cup when they take on Top 14 outfit Perpignan at Stade Aime Giral this Saturday in Round 4 of the competition.

A bonus-point win for the Johannesburg franchise would boost their chances of entering the Round of 16 of the European competition.

Speaking ahead of Saturday, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen will be looking for a more polished performance from last week despite beating Lyon 42-33 at Ellis Park.

“Coming off the weekend win, in the review we still felt we were sloppy at times, turning the ball over too much. To get a win that kept us alive in the competition was still a highlight.”

“We have an opportunity this weekend to stay in the competition. A result against Perpignan is a great opportunity. We don’t want to leave it to other teams and points difference. We want to get into the round of 16.”

The Lions boss, who also said this week: “We are preparing for a massive and physical Perpignan side that thrives on momentum”, has opted for power and pace in his match 23, with the aim to physically dominate the French. Second-row bruiser Etienne Oosthuizen, who himself had a stint in France with Lyon, returns to the fold to provide go-forward grunt in partnership with Reinhard Nothnagel. Loose forward sensation Batho Hlekani gets the starting nod after his Man of the Match debut performance against Lyon last Saturday.

In the backline, Junior Springbok Haashim Pead starts at halfback, with explosive centre Henco van Wyk occupying the inside centre position. Also back is winger Eduan Keyter.

Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Henco van Wyk, 11 Angelo Davids; 10 Chris Smith, 9 Hasshim Pead; 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Renzo du Plessis; 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen; 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruben Schoeman, 20 Darrien Landsberg, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Bronson Mills.

Perpignan v Lions - Saturday @ Stade Aime Giral, Perpignan (7.30pm)

Referee: Filippo Russo (Italy)

TV: SuperSport