Very different Lions team to face Ospreys this weekend

Expect a very different Emirates Lions team to take the field on Sunday when they open their EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures against Welsh side Ospreys.

Considering the Ospreys beat them last season at Emirates Airline Park, it makes it an interesting choice to send a dozen players home ahead of the fixture to prepare for their first home game in the competition against French side Section Paloise (Pau) next weekend.

Among those who have returned home following the side’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship loss against Munster are winger Edwill van der Merwe, fullback Quan Horn, tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, centre Henco van Wyk and others, even though the Lions have not named the players who have returned.

Flyhalf Kade Wolhuter is concussed and therefore ruled out for the weekend and possibly next, meaning Sanele Nohamba is probably favourite to take the 10 jersey this weekend.

“Around 12 guys have been sent home,” scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys said on Tuesday.

“We are playing on Sunday so the turnaround time is quick in this competition, it’s a good idea for us to get some guys back home and prepare for the home game against Pau. We are really excited to see the other players in the squad getting an opportunity to play this weekend and show us their quality.”

After observing a media blackout ahead of the Munster game, the Lions playing their cards close to their chest is an interesting strategy, and they will hope it works out for them to field a stronger side next weekend.