Sigma Lions speedster Boldwin Hansen will make a welcome return to Carling Currie Cup action when his team faces the Vodacom Bulls at Emirates Airline Park on Wednesday evening.
Hansen last featured against the Cell C Sharks nearly a month ago in a match which saw him registered a five-pointer for his side.
It’s a first start of the season for exciting loose-forward Lindo Ncusane who will combine with Mark Snyman and the in-form Wits and former Lions U19 captain Cal Smid in the backrow.
The halfback pairing of Ginter Smuts and James Tedder, who did duty last week against the Griquas, will have the responsibility of steering the Lions; attack against a determined Bulls outfit.
Head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi believes this year’s competition theme has been about providing young players the opportunity to launch their careers.
“History has shown time and time again that the Currie Cup has earned many players call-ups to international club competitions and national honours,” explains Nkosi.
“We’ve consistently backed our youngsters within our system, and this is something we’ve been bold about from the start of our campaign,” he adds.
“We’ll be up for it tomorrow against a very good Bulls side. There are a few guys in the match 23 who’ll be eager to impress and make the most of the opportunity,’ he concludes.
Kick-off is at 8pm CAT (SA, GMT+2) and the game is live on SuperSport.
Sigma Lions: EW Viljoen, Baldwin Hansen, James Mollentze, Luke Rossouw, Zeilinga Strydom; James Tedder, Ginter Smuts; Cal Smid, Lindo Ncusane, Mark Snyman, Simon Dinisio, Lunga Ncube, Asenathi Ntlabakanye (capt), Morne Brandon, Kayden Kiewit.
Replacements: Ebot Buma, Jacque-Lois du Toit, Kabous Bezuidenhout, Connor van Buuren, Sasko Ndlobu, Jurich Claasens, Tyler Bocks, Fred Zeilinga.