Lions unveil winning formula for Currie Cup semi against Boland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lions coach Mzwakhe Nkosi has revealed his team for Saturday’s Currie Cup semifinal against Boland at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
He has stuck with the same matchday 23, which did duty against Griquas last week.
Led by the in-form PJ Botha, the clash between the two sides has a hint of revenge for the Lions after they went down 10-29 in Round Three of the competition in Wellington.
After a delayed start due to lightning threats in the area last Saturday, Nkosi’s men made their intentions clear against the visiting Griquas with a convincing 37-7 win, which saw them climb to the summit of the Currie Cup log- with that, securing a home semi-final berth, with ambitions of back-to-back home finals.
Nkosi will rely on the performances of key players who have shown consistent form over the past two rounds of the campaign.
Last week’s standout player, Angelo Davids, is among those players who have settled well since making the move to Johannesburg.
Not far behind is pivot Chris Smith, who has, since his introduction, steered the Lions’ attack with intent and experience.
Lions: 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 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 PJ Botha (captain), 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.
Date: Saturday, September 13
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant referees: Hanru van Rooyen, Sean Muller
TMO: Egon Seconds
