Unchanged starting XV for Lions as they take on table-topping Griquas

Fidelity ADT Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has announced an unchanged starting line-up to tackle Carling Currie Cup log leaders Suzuki Griquas this Saturday at Ellis Park. Both sides go into this encounter having secured convincing victories in Round 6 with the Johannesburg franchising overcoming neighbours Vodacom Bulls to claim Jukskei Derby honours. This weekend’s visitors, on the other hand, will come to Johannesburg with confidence after the 30-point demolition job against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Speaking ahead of Round 7, Nkosi expressed that he is aware of what the high-flying Griquas will bring come 5pm on Saturday to maintain their position at the summit of the competition.

“We’re very much aware of the threat posed by the Griquas, their brand of rugby particularly their back three who have been at the foundation of their success,” he said.

“We look to what promises to be a good contest in anticipation of a motivated Griquas team,” he added.

Nkosi and his coaching team have gone the consistency route by sticking to last week’s run on XV, with three changes on the bench namely Renzo du Plessis in place of Tian Wessels and Lubabalo Dobelo coming in for Sam Francis, who suffered a head knock against the Bulls and centre Rynhardt Jonker replaces Eduan Keyter.

“We’ve gone largely for the same group with the hope that some of the rust will be off and that we will see a more fluid performance. It’s also another opportunity for the guys to get minutes under their belts with the bigger picture in mind,’ he concluded.

Fidelity ADT Lions starting XV: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids; 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn; 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarrod Cairns; 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom; 3 RF Schoeman, 3 PJ Botha (capt), 1 SJ Kotze. Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du plessis, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.

Suzuki Griquas starting XV: 15 Connor Mahoney, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Zane Bester, 12 Mnombo Zwelendaba, 11 Gurswin Wehr; 10 George Whitehead, 9 Caleb Abrahams; 8 Gustav Erlank, 7 Carl Els, 6 Lourens Oosthuizen; 5 Albert Liebenberg, 4 Malambe Mpofu; 3 Cebo Dlamini (capt), 2 Janco Uys, 1 Eddie Davids. Replacements: 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Johan Louw, 19 Derik Pretorius, 20 Marco de Witt, 21 Thomas Bursey, 22 Tom Nel, 23 Cameron Hufke.