The Lions have confirmed a major boost ahead of Saturday’s Currie Cup final at Ellis Park, with Springbok tighthead prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye named in the starting XV after weeks on the sidelines. The burly front-rower, who recently faced an adverse drugs test result, will wear the No. 3 jersey and serve as vice-captain for the clash against Griquas.
Regular skipper PJ Botha has been ruled out through injury, with fullback Quan Horn taking over the captaincy for the decider. Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi said the squad is fully behind Ntlabakanye as he makes his return.
“He has been charged, but not suspended, so as a contracted player he must play,” Nkosi explained. “His hearing is set for December, but he’s had time to process everything and is now focused on the task at hand. There’s strong support for him within the squad, and we are all behind him.”
Difficult Few Weeks for Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Ntlabakanye’s positive test, reportedly linked to a substance prescribed during a weight-loss treatment earlier this year, saw him miss out on selection for the Springboks’ Rugby Championship fixtures. The prop, who made his Test debut earlier this year, has spent the last two weeks back in full training with the Lions.
The 26-year-old recently earned the Lions’ Players’ Player award, a sign of the respect he commands within the squad. He is also expected to be part of the team’s touring party to Wales next week when the United Rugby Championship kicks off.
Lions Eye Back-to-Back Finals
Nkosi believes his side’s preparation puts them in a strong position for their second consecutive Currie Cup final. “We are proud to be in back-to-back domestic finals for the first time since 2014 and 2015. The team has had a good week of training and confidence is high after some strong results in recent weeks,” he said.
Flyhalf Chris Smit echoed his coach’s confidence: “We were clinical in the semi-final against Boland and have built some good momentum. Playing a Currie Cup final at Ellis Park is special, and we are ready to give everything.”
Key Team Changes
Franco Marais comes in at hooker to replace Botha, while RF Schoeman shifts to the bench to accommodate Ntlabakanye’s return. The rest of the team remains largely unchanged as the Lions aim to cap off a consistent campaign with silverware.
Also read: Springboks Blow: Ntlabakanye Out of All Blacks Tour After Positive Test
Lions Team to Face Griquas
Starting XV: 15 Quan Horn (captain), 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Hashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
Lions vs Griquas: Ellis Park Awaits a Thriller
With a passionate home crowd expected, the Lions will look to use the Ellis Park atmosphere to their advantage as they chase Currie Cup glory. Ntlabakanye’s return adds an emotional edge to an already fiery final as the Joburg side seeks to claim one of local rugby’s most coveted trophies.
