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Lions unleash Springbok Venter for blockbuster Leinster opener

By Annemie Bester
Thursday 24 Sep 2026
Siba Mahashe

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Lions have a golden opportunity to make an early statement when they host defending champions Leinster in their opening match of the 2026/27 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season at Ellis Park on Saturday.

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Ivan van Rooyen’s side enjoyed a landmark campaign last season, finishing eighth to secure their first-ever URC playoff berth while also lifting the South African Shield for the first time.

Their season ended in disappointing fashion, though, as Leinster handed them a crushing 59-10 defeat in the quarter-finals before going on to win a second consecutive URC title.

The Lions will now have an immediate chance for redemption on home soil against the tournament favourites.

Van Rooyen has strengthened his starting XV with the inclusion of Springbok loosehead prop Boan Venter, while exciting youngsters Zian Cilliers and Ethan Adams have been named on the bench and are in line to make their senior URC debuts.

Lions: 15 Boeta Chamberlain 14 Kelly Mpeku 13 Henco van Wyk 12 Richard Kriel 11 Erich Cronje 10 Chris Smith 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain) 7 Batho Hlekani 6 Siba Mahashe 5 Ruan Delport 4 Etienne Oosthuizen 3 Sebastian Lombard 2 PJ Botha 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 JC Pretorius, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Zian Cilliers, 23 Ethan Adam

Date: Saturday, September 27
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 13.30; 11.30 GMT; 12.30 IRE & UK time
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 21st league game)
Assistant referees: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) and Jonathan Lottering (SARU)
TMO: Craig Evans (WRU)

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