The Emirates Lions welcomed back Springbok fullback Quan Horn to their touring squad for their EPCR Challenge Cup match against Montpellier on Saturday but will be without some other stalwarts for the trip to France.
Horn’s inclusion was definitely a boost for the side, but they are without the likes of Henco van Wyk and crucially, Bok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg for the trip where they will be looking for a major upset against one of the stronger French sides with a key South African flavour.
Another absentee is winger/fullback Richard Kriel, while players not considered due to injury include winger Rabz Maxwane, lock Reinhard Nothnagel, flanker Siba Qoma and van Wyk.
There was also good news that Bok flanker Ruan Venter will be available for the round four game in the Challenge Cup against Dragons, as will flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, hooker Franco Marais and hooker Morne Brandon.
On top of this lock Ruben Schoeman is serving a five-game suspension and won’t be seen until March in Lions colours again.
Your Emirates Lions touring squad heading to Montpellier for Round 3⃣ of the EPCR Challenge Cup.#ForOurCity
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 7, 2025
#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/xfSFqykC9K
Scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys revealed that a number of players were being either rested or held back for the two home games to come - the EPCR Challenge Cup game against the Dragons and the Jukskei derby against the Vodacom Bulls that follows.
“We actually have quite a few guys ready for almost between now and next week,” Redelinghuys said.
But obviously in some cases we decided to keep them here to do a last little bit of rehab and recovery to be ready for Dragons and Bulls, which are two important home games for us. So, it's not long-term and not a reoccurrence.”
In Van den Berg’s case, the Lions have decided that this will form part of his rest period of eight weeks for the Boks, but the halfback is expected to be back for the Bulls game at least.
“There are different negotiations with all the guys that played for the Springboks. So, some guys started earlier with us and got weekends off so it’s just a managing process with the guys that were involved with the Springboks,” he added.
The Lions will be hoping their deeper squad focus helps them against a Montpellier side that boasts three Springboks and is currently fifth in the Top 14, as well as being top of the EPCR Challenge Cup pool they share with the Lions.
Off to Montpellier for Round 3 of the EPCR Challenge Cup!✈️🦁
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 7, 2025
🆚 @MHR_officiel
🗓: Sat, 11 Jan
⏰: 19:30
🏟 : GGL Stadium#ForOurCity
#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/xLcEscZAn2
TOURING SQUAD
Forwards: PJ Botha, Ruan Delport, Izan Esterhuizen, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg, Morgan Naude, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Etienne Oosthuizen, JC Pretorius, Juan Schoeman, RF Schoeman, WF Steenkamp, Ruhan Straeuli, Conraad van Vuuren, Jaco Visagie.
Backs: Erich Cronje, Sam Francis, Quan Horn, Rynhardt Jonker, Marius Louw, Tapiwa Mafura, Sanele Nohamba, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Gianni Lombard, Kelly Mpeku.