Horn, Van Wyk blows for Lions, Louw back as captain
The Emirates Lions have rotated again, bringing back the bulk of their regular players for their EPCR Challenge Cup outing at Emirates Airline Park against French side Section Paloise (Pau) on Saturday.
Captain Marius Louw, who has led the side for most of his time at the Lions, returns to take up the leadership role for the first time this season, hoping to lead the side to a victory in their final home game of the year.
The Lions didn’t consider two of their regulars in Springbok Quan Horn and midfielder Henco van Wyk, both because they had niggles that weren’t deemed worth the risk by team management. Tapiwa Mafura slots in at fullback while Erich Cronje is in the midfield in Van Wyk’s place this week.
Flyhalf Sam Francis, who played against the Ospreys, has been kept in the 10 jersey, but this time will partner with Springbok Morne van den Berg, while WJ Steenkamp keeps his spot in the loose trio alongside Francke Horn and Jarrod Cairns.
It's the last one at Emirates Airline Park for 2024. Check out your Match 23.
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) December 13, 2024
🆚 Section Paloise
🗓: Sat, 14 Dec
⏰: 17:15
🎟️: https://t.co/uQdmb37X8r
🏟 : Emirates Airline Park#ForOurCity#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/r1nlmZH9JZ
On the bench there is no place for Sanele Nohamba, with Nico Steyn the reserve scrumhalf and Kade Wolhuter the reserve flyhalf.
The team also announced that Springbok flanker Ruan Venter and fellow loose forward Siba Qoma both will be sidelined with injury “until the New Year.”
Emirates Lions: Tapiwa Mafura, Rabz Maxwane, Erich Cronje, Marius Louw (captain), Edwill van der Merwe; Sam Francis, Morne van den Berg; Francke Horn, WJ Steenkamp, Jarrod Cairns, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruben Schoeman, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, PJ Botha, Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: Jaco Visagie, SJ Kotze, RF Schoeman, Ruan Delport, JC Pretorius, Nico Steyn, Kade Wolhuter, Manny Rass.
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