The Emirates Lions are set to host Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Saturday, with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg reaching a milestone 100th cap for the team. Van den Berg, who made his debut in 2019, has grown in strength and has been a regular member of the Springboks squad since the 2023 World Cup.
The Lions have been boosted by the return of key forwards, including Springboks Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who were missing from the previous match against the Stormers. Venter has recovered from concussion, while Ntlabakanye is available again after a family bereavement.
Team Selection
The Lions have decided to go with a 6-2 bench split, with Batho Hlekani and Renzo du Plessis covering the loose forward positions. The backline sees Erich Cronje move from centre to the left wing, replacing the injured Kelly Mpeku.
The starting lineup includes: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel.
Playoff Ambitions
The Lions currently sit in seventh place in the United Rugby Championship table and have their playoff fate in their own hands. A win against Edinburgh would be a significant step towards securing a quarter-final spot. According to the United Rugby Championship format, the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs.
The Lions will be looking to build on their recent win over the Stormers, which earned them the SA Shield. With a four-match home run ahead, the team is determined to capitalize on this momentum and secure a top-eight finish.
- Morne van den Berg reaches 100th cap for the Lions
- Key forwards Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye return to the team
- Lions face Edinburgh at Ellis Park on Saturday
