Lions name powerful squad for European trip
TOURING SQUAD: Springbok prop forward Asenathi Ntlabakanbye will get on the plane with the Lions as they depart on a two-week tour to France and Wales, but some stalwarts are staying put in Johannesburg.
Ntlabakanye missed the clash against Lyon last weekend due to a hamstring niggle, but was deemed fit to join the touring party, which departs on Tuesday afternoon.
First up on their two-week tour is Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup, followed by Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship.
Ruan Venter will miss out on this opportunity due to his four-match ban after a high hit on Aphelele Fassi a fortnight ago.
Two of the walking wounded who also stayed behind are flanker Siba Qoma, who got injured in the warm-up before the Lyon game, as well as winger Kelly Mpeku, who has a wrist injury.
All the usual stars are included in the group, including their latest acquisition, Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani, as well as Haashim Pead.
Lions touring squad:
Forwards: PJ Botha, Morne Brandon, Jarod Cairns, Eddie Davids, Renzo du Plessis, Batho Hlekani, Francke Horn, SJ Kotze, Darrien Landsberg, Siba Mahashe, Franco Marais, Reinhard Nothnagel, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Etienne Oosthuizen, RF Schoeman, Ruben Schoeman, Dylan Sjoblom, Conrad van Vuuren
Backs: Erich Cronje, Angelo Davids, Sam Francis, Quan Horn, Eduan Keyter, Richard Kriel, Bronson Mills, Haashim Pead, Chris Smith, Nico Steyn, Morne van den Berg, Henco van Wyk
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