TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: WJ Steenkamp will lead the Lions when they face Newcastle in Round Two of the Challenge Cup at Kingston Park on Saturday evening.
The Lions hope that giving their ‘fringe players’ a run will rekindle the flagging energy levels of the team.
Newcastle made a statement when they beat Lyon Olympique Universitaire 23-14 at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland in a Challenge Cup Round One outing.
The Lions effectively sent their ‘B-team’ to England, a tactical ploy to ensure they have a rested squad for the festive season derby against the Stormers in Cape Town.
Richard Kriel and Manuel Rass combine as the centre duo in midfield, Rabz Maxwane returns on the wing after a lengthy injury, and hooker PJ Botha warms the bench.
Siba Qoma returns with Renzo du Plessis, completing the back row.
Loose forward Jarod Cairns, who provides experience from the bench, is excited about 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,’ Cairns said.
Lions: 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp (captain), 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
Date: Saturday, December 13
Venue: Kingston Park, Newcastle
Kick-off: 19.30 (17.30 GMT; 17.30 UK Time)
Referee: Benoit Rousselet (France)
Assistant referees: Pierre Bru (France) & Thomas Chereque (France)
TMO: Denis Grenouillet (France)
