Junior Bok star set to make Lions debut
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions will hand Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani his debut when they face French side Lyon in Round Three of the Challenge Cup at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Hlekani, a former Sharks flanker, linked up with the Johannesburg outfit just last week, but head coach Ivan van Rooyen has moved quickly to include the 115kg forward in the matchday 23.
The Gqeberha-born loose forward will provide impact off the bench as the Lions field a powerful starting XV against a physical Lyon side. With both teams still winless in the competition, the clash represents a vital chance to keep slim playoff hopes alive.
Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys warned of the threat posed by French opposition, particularly up front.
“The difficult thing about French teams is that you never quite know what you’re going to get,” said Redelinghuys. “They’re very strong when they build early momentum, and they back that up with a good kicking game.
New kid on the block. 👀
Lions fans, give him a proper Joburg welcome. 🦁🔥#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/0w19OQziku— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) December 31, 2025
“They’re smart in how they defend, especially in their own half, and once they feel there’s an opportunity, they can be very dangerous. We know we have to be switched on. Their set piece is a big weapon and something they pride themselves on.”
Conrad van Vuuren starts at tighthead prop with Asenathi Ntlabakanye sidelined by a hamstring niggle. Renzo du Plessis comes into the back row alongside captain Francke Horn and Siba Qoma.
There is just one change in the backline, with Richard Kriel named on the right wing. Henco van Wyk and Sebastian Lombard return from injury on the bench, while Junior Springbok scrumhalf Haashim Pead and Rabz Maxwane complete the matchday squad.
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Eddie Davids
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Ruben Schoeman, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Henco van Wyk, 23 Rabz Maxwane
Date: Saturday, January 10
Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.15 (16.15 CET; 15.15 UK & IRE)
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (England) & Richard Gordon (England)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
