Newly signed winger Angelo Davids will make his debut for the Fidelity ADT Lions team when they take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks in their Currie Cup opener on Saturday.
Davids joined the team from DHL Western Province at the end of last season and will get his first chance for action in a side led by veteran hooker Jaco Visagie.
Rabz Maxwane returns to action after a long injury layoff on the left wing with Hianni Lombard at fullback, giving the Lions a potent attacking back three.
The Fidelity ADT Lions side to face the Hollywoodbets Sharks this Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium.
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 25, 2025
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There is a very familiar look to the side with a number of Vodacom United Rugby Championship players in the team - including Mannie Rass, Rynhard Jonker, Jarod Cairns, Darrien Landsberg, RF Schoeman and Morgan Naude - all of whom played a lot in the URC last season for the Lions.
The promising flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela, who showed his class in the final games of last season, is given the vote of confidence as the backline general with Nico Steyn his halfback partner.
Springbok squad member Renzo du Plessis is on the bench along with Kade Wolhuter as it looks as if the Lions will use a large chunk of their greater URC squad in their Currie Cup campaign again.
Fidelity ADT Lions: Gianni Lombard, Angelo Davids, Mannie Rass, Rynhardt Jonker, Rabz Maxwane, Lubabalo Dobela, Nico Steyn; WJ Steenkamp, Izan Esterhuizen, Jarod Cairns, Darrien Landsberg, Rynhard Roets, RF Schoeman, Jaco Visagie (captain), Morgan Naude.
Replacements: Morne Brandon, SJ Kotze, Heiko Pohlmann, Dylan Sjoblom, Renzo du Plessis, Layton Horn, Kade Wolhuter, Kelly Mpeku.