The Lions are set to take on Newcastle in the Challenge Cup, marking an important match for both teams. WJ Steenkamp will captain the Lions in this Round Two encounter at Kingston Park on Saturday evening. This strategic decision sees many of the Lions’ fringe players stepping up to revitalize the team’s energy levels as they aim for a victory.
Lions’ Tactical Approach Against Newcastle
The Lions are approaching this match with a unique strategy. By fielding a ‘B-team,’ they hope to manage their squad effectively ahead of the upcoming festive derby against the Stormers in Cape Town. The objective is to keep key players rested while giving others a valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Previous Performance of Newcastle
Newcastle rugby showcased their prowess in Round One by defeating Lyon Olympique Universitaire with a score of 23-14 at the Matmut Stadium de Gerland. This result demonstrates their strength as they prepare to face the Lions.
Key Players and Team Line-Up
Numerous players will be crucial for the Lions in this match:
- Captain: WJ Steenkamp
- Wingers: Rabz Maxwane and Angelo Davids
- Midfield: Richard Kriel and Manuel Rass
- Hooker: Morne Brandon
- Experience from the bench: Jarod Cairns
Returning from injury, Rabz Maxwane will add depth to the wing. The back row is completed by Siba Qoma and Renzo du Plessis, enhancing the Lions’ overall dynamics.
Match Details
The encounter will take place as follows:
| Date | Saturday, December 13 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kingston Park, Newcastle |
| Kick-off | 19:30 (17:30 GMT) |
| Referee | Benoit Rousselet (France) |
With confidence brewing amongst the players, especially from those eager to make an impact, Jarod Cairns expressed optimism. “We really have confidence going into this match. You can see by how the guys have trained that there is a little bit of fresh energy. We have hope and we are positive that it’s going to go the other way this weekend,” Cairns stated.
As the Lions aim to defeat Newcastle and secure a crucial win in the Challenge Cup, the team is focused on delivering a strong performance in this pivotal match.
