So says Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen as his Lions outfit prepare to face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park this Saturday evening. ‘Cash’ has maintained the bulk of the Currie Cup side who did duty in last week’s disappointing result in the final against the Suzuki Griquas at Ellis Park. His men have however shaken off the loss and immediately shifted their focus onto international club duty with a daunting three-week tour to Wales and Italy when they face Cardiff, Zebre and Benetton respectively.

Lubabalo Dobela will be tasked to steer the Lions’ backline in the absence of Chris Smith who suffered a head knock against the Griquas in last week’s final, meaning he is currently undergoing the necessary protocol before returning to action. Zimbabwean international Tapiwa Mafura gets his opportunity on the right wing, in a back three which sees superstar winger Angelo Davids make his first international appearance for his new club and Springbok Quan Horn captain the side from the fullback position.

“We’ve obviously used a couple of games in the Currie Cup as pre-season ahead of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship,” said van Rooyen.

“Most of the squad would have either played at the beginning or at the end of the competition, so in terms of prep we should be game ready ahead of Cardiff on Saturday.”

The Lions were a decision away from claiming victory against the Welsh club last year and the Lions mentor is well aware of the challenges facing his side against a well organised defensive system.

“Looking ahead to Cardiff, we were not quite there against them last year, so we’ll need to start well against them come Saturday. They’ve got a good defensive system, and we expect them to attack a bit more, employing a more of an expansive game. They’ve also recruited one or two guys so again, we expect a tough encounter, very physical against very tricky conditions which will be a good first test for us.”

Kick-off at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday is at 20:45 (SA time)

Lions 23 vs Cardiff Rugby

1.           SJ Kotze

2.           Franco Marais

3.           Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4.           Dylan Sjoblom

5.           Ruan Delport

6.           Jarod Cairns

7.           Ruan Venter

8.           WJ Steenkamp

9.           Nico Steyn

10.         Lubabalo Dobela

11.         Angelo Davids

12.         Richard Kriel

13.         Henco van Wyk

14.         Tapiwa Mafura

15.         Quan Horn (c)

Replacements

16.         Morne Brandon

17.         Heiko Pohlmann

18.         RF Schoeman

19.         Darrien Landsberg

20.         Renzo du Plessis

21.         Haashim Pead

22.         Sam Francis

23.         Rynhardt Jonker