The Lions, still the only South African side to secure a win over the Stormers in Cape Town during the United Rugby Championship, face a pivotal opportunity today as they prepare to clash with the hosts in a riveting South African derby.
Despite the home teams’ reinforcement from five returning Springbok players, the visitors are positioned advantageously, having built substantial momentum in recent matches.
📍 Touchdown in the Mother City!
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#ForOurCity
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With captain Marius Louw set to play his milestone 50th match for the Johannesburg side, the Lions will field almost the same players who triumphed over Pau last weekend, fostering a sense of continuity that could be crucial today (3.45pm start) at Cape Town Stadium.
However, the visitors must navigate the challenge of four significant absentees due to injuries, most notably star backs Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn, who will miss yet another match after picking up niggles in training last week from which they haven’t recovered.
While the absence of Van Wyk and Horn leaves a void, Louw will strengthen his partnership with Erich Cronjé, who delivered an impactful performance against the French club last week.
Relying on an unchanged backline, the Lions will look to exploit the Stormers’ defence and maintain a fast-paced approach throughout the game.
Our Match 23 for the Summer Series. Epic fixture loading...
🆚 @THESTORMERS
🗓: Sat, 21 Dec
⏰: 15:45
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The forward pack will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome, particularly in the scrums.
The Lions’ front three of hooker PJ Botha and props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Juan Schoeman face a formidable challenge against the Stormers’ almost entirely Springbok front row.
The absence of lock Reinhard Nothnagel, who is vital in the lineouts, will be felt as Ruan Delport replaces him, joining powerful No 4 Ruben Schoeman in a crucial battle against the Stormers’ JD Schickerling and Salmaan Moerat.
Another area of contention will be the breakdown, a domain where the Stormers have shown vulnerabilities in recent outings.
The Lions boast two adept fetchers in No 8 Francke Horn and flanker Jarod Cairns, who excel in reclaiming possession.
JC Pretorius, coming off the bench, will also aim to influence proceedings with his poaching prowess.
🔟 beautiful tries between the DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions.
They meet again in what promises to be an epic #VURC derby 💥
📺 Kick-off at 15:45 this Saturday, LIVE on SuperSport. pic.twitter.com/0oLQZpvfAn
Head coach Ivan van Rooyen has opted for a six-two split on the bench, anticipating a physical contest that will likely see the forwards dominate.
With versatile backs Sanele Nohamba and Manny Rass providing cover, the Lions have the depth and skill across the pitch to adapt to the game’s evolving dynamics.
This match marks the Lions’ final outing of the year, and following a win in their last home game, they are keenly focused on achieving another victory that would give them vital momentum heading into 2025. | Independent Media Sport
Lions Team
15 Tapiwa Mafura 14 Rabz Maxwane 13 Erich Cronjé 12 Marius Louw (captain) 11 Edwill van der Merwe 10 Sam Francis 9 Morné van den Berg 8 Francke Horn 7 WJ Steenkamp 6 Jarod Cairns 5 Ruan Delport 4 Ruben Schoeman 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye 2 PJ Botha 1 Juan Schoeman.
Bench: 16 Franco Marais 17 Morgan Naudé 18 Conraad van Vuuren 19 Darrien Landsberg 20 Izan van der Westhuizen 21 JC Pretorius 22 Sanele Nohamba 23 Manny Rass.