The Lions team has presented a completely updated squad for the upcoming decisive Currie Cup match against the Sharks XV team, which will take place on Friday afternoon at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The match is scheduled for 19:15.
Head coach Mzivake Nkosi has made several changes to the starting XV. Specifically, Juan Schoman, Armand Combrink, and Conrad van Vuuren have joined the front line, taking positions as left, scrum-half, and right lock respectively.
Siba Koma has moved to the second line next to J.D. Hattington, while midfielder Zian Villiers and winger Latika Nel have returned to the main squad. Jarrod Cairns will be the team captain, playing on the open flank position, and Renzo du Plessis will take position number 8, with Tando Biela on the blind side flank.
Sam Francis will start in the playmaker position, with Villiers forming a midfield pair. Lihona Fink and Reinhard Jonker will play in the middle of the field. Guillermo Mentoe starts as a fullback, and Keegan Smith, who impressed in the previous match against the Boland Cavaliers, and Nel will complete the defense.
The bench includes junior springbok Ethan Adams, who may debut in the Lions' starting lineup. This powerful centre was part of the successful junior springbok campaign at the World Youth Football Championship in Georgia, where South Africa retained the world championship title. His presence on the bench significantly expands the options for the Lions' backline.
The Lions squad facing the Sharks includes: Guillermo Mentoe (15), Keegan Smith (14), Lihona Fink (13), Reinhard Jonker (12), Latika Nel (11), Sam Francis (10), Zian Villiers (9), Renzo du Plessis (8), Jarrod Cairns (7, captain), Tando Biela (6), J.D. Hattington (5), Siba Koma (4), Conrad van Vuuren (3), Armand Combrink (2), Juan Schoman (1). Reserves: Male Sitole (16), Liema Ntshanga (17), Siya Dube (18), Dylan Schoeman (19), Vuyo Gvidji (20), Asad Mus (21), Ethan Adams (22), Luke Cannon (23).