Springbok fullback Quan Horn is back in the starting line-up for the Emirates Lions while promising young wing/fullback Kelly Mpeku will make his debut for the side in their EPCR Challenge Cup match against Montpellier on Saturday night.
The Lions have left several players at home for the clash and therefore will go into the match with a mix-and-match outfit as they rest some stars for the Dragons game next weekend and the Vodacom Bulls derby the week thereafter.
With Springbok Edwill van der Merwe on the other wing, the back three looks pacy and keen to run while young flyhalf Sam Francis gets another start at 10, with Nico Steyn alongside him.
Your Emirates Lions side to take on Montpellier this Saturday.
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 10, 2025
🆚 Montpellier
🗓: Sat, 11 Jan
⏰: 19:30
🏟 : GGL Stadium#ForOurCity#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/DmeToKfu3w
Stalwart captain Marius Louw leads the side into battle again, and will be partnered by Erich Cronje, while Francke Horn heads a loose trio that includes Izan Esterhuizen and WJ Steenkamp.
Up front Asenathi Ntlabakanye will join Juan Schoeman and Jaco Visagie in the front row.
On the bench Sanele Nohamba and JC Pretorius stand out with the Lions hoping their fringe players can produce some magic against the French team that currently tops their pool.
Emirates Lions: Quan Horn, Kelly Mpeku, Erich Cronje, Marius Louw (captain), Edwill van der Merwe; Sam Francis, Nico Steyn; Francke Horn, Izan Esterhuizen, WJ Steenkamp, Ruan Delport, Etienne Oosthuizen, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Jaco Visagie, Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: PJ Botha, Morgan Naude, Conrad van Vuuren, Darrien Landsberg, Ruhan Straeuli, JC Pretorius, Sanele Nohamba, Rynhardt Jonker.