When South African rivals meet in the United Rugby Championship, there is rarely a shortage of edge. Saturday’s clash between the Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park (14:00 kick-off) carries added weight, with both sides chasing momentum for different reasons.
The Lions are boosted by the return of Springbok loose forward Ruan Venter, back from a four-match suspension following his illegal tackle in the dramatic 23-22 win over the Sharks at Kings Park earlier this season.
In his absence, Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani impressed and now shifts to the bench, while U21 captain Siba Mahashe makes his URC debut at blindside flank. Mahashe featured in the EPCR Challenge Cup earlier this year but now faces the intensity of a full-blooded derby.
Francke Horn captains the side from No 8, with lock Darrien Landsberg set to earn his 50th cap for the union. At scrumhalf, Morne van den Berg continues ahead of Haashim Pead and resumes his partnership with flyhalf Chris Smith. The back three sees Kelly Mpeku return alongside Angelo Davids and Springbok fullback Quan Horn.
The Lions are looking to respond after a heavy 52-17 defeat to the Bulls at Ellis Park in their previous URC outing.
“Forwards coach Wessel Roux admitted the performance fell short.
‘On the day, we were really just not our best selves. There were technical issues and fundamental issues that we’ve discussed and worked on, but in pro rugby sometimes it just happens that you’re not your best self,’ Roux said.
He expects a stern examination up front.
‘The Sharks pack is firing quite nicely. They’re brave and creative and were dominant in both games against the Stormers. They’re a world-class pack and a world-class team.
‘We had 12 lineouts, but lost five of them. It’s a focus for us to get our fundamentals right and to try and get physical dominance because we know the Sharks are a big physical threat. It feels like a Test match we’re having to prepare for.’
While the Lions seek redemption, the Sharks arrive with ambitions of climbing the table.
Coach JP Pietersen has opted to rest several senior Springboks, including Andre Esterhuizen and Siya Kolisi, as part of player management protocols. Eben Etzebeth remains suspended and Bongi Mbonambi is injured.
Pietersen believes the changes present opportunity rather than risk.
“It gives you that opportunity to see if the guys in between – those in transition from juniors to seniors, or seniors who haven’t had enough game time – are improving week by week,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for some of them to put up their hands.”
Vincent Tshituka captains the side, with Thomas Dyer starting at No 8 against a physical Lions loose trio.
“It’s a great challenge physically and to see how fast you can move and how well you can execute your skill set under pressure with a fast game and at altitude against a good loose trio,” Pietersen said.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for Tom, but he is more than capable enough to perform, and he’s been in our system for a long time.
“It will also be good to see how [flank] Tino Mavesere stands up against a good Lions loose trio.”
In midfield, Jurenzo Julius shifts to inside centre to increase his involvement.
“It’s about his explosiveness, how strong he is in contact … you want Jurenzo to touch the ball more in a game,” Pietersen said. “The more touches he gets, the better for the team and the better for him because he is so powerful.”
The Sharks, who sit ninth on the log, are within reach of the top eight and remain in contention for the SA Shield. A win in Johannesburg could see them move into playoff position.
“They beat us in Durban and in that first half they showed how to put us under pressure,” Pietersen said of the reverse fixture. “They were clinical and got out to a 17-point lead early. They’ll take confidence from that.”
The Lions, however, have traditionally been a difficult proposition at Ellis Park, and Saturday’s encounter is expected to be played at high intensity.
LIONS: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ettienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Bench: 16 Franco Marais, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Eddie Davids, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Erich Cronje.
SHARKS: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Jurenzo Julius, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Thomas Dyer, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Phatu Ganyane.
Bench: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Cameron Dawson, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Emile van Heerden, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Ross Braude, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Yaw Penxe.