Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made sweeping changes for the Lions’ Currie Cup clash with Boland in Wellington on Sunday.
The Lions are in red-hot form, having followed up their 46-5 dismantling of the Sharks with a 40-19 win over Western Province. Captain Jaco Visagie, who scored twice last weekend, again leads the side.
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Up front, SJ Kotze earns a start at loosehead prop, reuniting with RF Schoeman after the pair played together at junior level, while new lock signing Dylan Sjöblom replaces the injured Darrien Landsberg.
In the backline, Kade Wolhuter replaces Lubabalo Dobela (sidelined with flu) at flyhalf, while winger Kelly Mpeku comes in for Rabz Maxwane, who is recovering from a wrist injury.
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Franco Marais and Juan Schoeman provide front-row cover from the bench, with Stian de Bruyn in line for his Currie Cup debut.
Boland, who shocked the Cheetahs in round one, were on the wrong end of a 48-39 scoreline against Griquas in Kimberley, and will be aiming to bounce back in what promises to be a high-tempo battle.
LIONS – 15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Rynhardt Jonker, 11 Kelly Mpeku, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Raynard Roets, 4 Dylan Sjöblom, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Jaco Visagie (c), 1 SJ Kotze.
Bench: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Stian de Bruyn, 19 Johnre Stopforth, 20 Luca Ribbens, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Layton Horn, 23 Bronson Mills.
The Fidelity ADT Lions are in Wellington this Sunday to take on the Boland Cavaliers. Here’s your match 23.#ForOurCity#BOLvLIO | #CurrieCup | #WhereChampionsRise #LionsPride
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— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 8, 2025
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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