Lions flanker Batho Hlekani was named Player of the Match in debut as he gets a nod for his firts start on Saturday. Junior Springbok stars Batho Hlekani and Hashim Pead will enjoy their first starts for the Lions in Saturday night’s Challenge Cup pool game against Perpignan in the south of France, kick-off is at 7.30pm (SA time). Pead was the hero of the Lions’ win in Durban a fortnight ago when he scored a last-minute try to steal the spoils 23-22 in a United Rugby Championship match.
Hlekani, who joined the Lions from the Sharks at the beginning of January, made his debut off the bench last week in the 42-33 Challenge Cup defeat of Lyon at Ellis Park. The powerfully built, abrasive flank earned the Player of the Match award for his impressive efforts, and his reward is a starting place this week. Conspicuous by their absence are Springboks Morne van den Berg and Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
Coach Ivan van Rooyen earlier this week said that some of his senior players were carrying niggles, and if they were not 100 percent on the eve of the Perpignan match, he would save them for next week’s URC visit to Edinburgh. Scrumhalf Van den Berg and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye fall into that category. In terms of scrumhalf, the Lions are well served by the experienced Nico Steyn, who is on the bench, and Pead, the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament.
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There is a big boost for the Lions in the midfield where the combative Henco van Wyk is at inside centre. Last week, the tough-tackling Van Wyk made his comeback from injury off the bench. This week, he starts with Bronson Mills dropping to the bench.
Also back in the backline is former Griquas and Sharks flyer Eduan Swart. He forms a dangerous back three with the other wing, Angelo Davids, and fullback Quan Horn.
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