Emirates Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen will rely on Lubabalo Dobela to spearhead his attack as his side welcome Welsh opponents Ospreys in the final round of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this Saturday. 

The nifty flyhalf, formerly with the Griquas, will relish the opportunity to start this weekend after making a few cameos in recent matches.

Elsewhere, Ruan Venter continues his role in the number four jumper while Saturday also sees the return of loose head prop Juan Schoeman.

Speedster Edwill van der Merwe and center Marius Louw (off the bench) will make their final appearances in Lions colours on Saturday after immense contributions in seasons past.

Centre Henco van Wyk returns at outside centre after being a last-minute omission last week due to illness.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash, tight head prop, and one of the team’s leaders Asenathi Ntlabakanye spoke about how is side would like to end the season on a positive note especially for teammates Edwill van der Merwe and Marius Louw.

“This weekend is an opportunity for us to send off some guys on a positive note and play high-quality rugby,” said Ntlabakanye.

“For Edwill and Marius that are leaving, we must send them off well. They have been great servants to the Lions. We need to put a spectacle for them and end the season off on a high note,” he concluded.

Emirates Lions Match 23

1.           Juan Schoeman

2.           Jaco Visagie (c )

3.           Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4.           Ruan Venter

5.           Ruan Delport

6.           JC Pretorius

7.           Renzo du Plessis

8.           Jarod Cairns

9.           Nico Steyn

10.         Lubabalo Dobela

11.         Edwill van der Merwe

12.         Bronson Mills

13.         Henco van Wyk

14.         Richard Kriel

15.         Quan Horn

Replacements

16.         Morne Brandon

17.         SJ Kotze

18.         RF Schoeman

19.         Izan Esterhuizen

20.         WJ Steenkamp

21.         Layton Horn

22.         Marius Louw

23.         Kelly Mpeku