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Lions boosted by return of key figures for Zebre clash

By @rugby365com
Friday 3 Oct 2025

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have welcomed back a few leading stars for the second round United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre at Stadio Lanfranchi in Parma on Sunday.

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Their inspirational former captain Francke Horn is back to lead the side, as is flyhalf Chris Smith after completing his return to play protocols, and utility back Eduan Keyter.

In other changes, RF Schoeman comes in for Springbok Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who drops to the bench, while lock Etienne Oosthuizen is also back from injury and will partner with Ruan Delport in the second row.

Renzo du Plessis gets a start ahead of Jarod Cairns at 6.

The Lions will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat against Cardiff.

Zebre won’t be a pushover after they secured victory over Edinburgh in their season opener.

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Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker

Date: Sunday, October 5
Venue: Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma
Kick-off: 15.00 (15.00 SAST; 13.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Manuel Bottino (Italy), Luca Bisetto (Italy)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)

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