Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg links up with his Lions team mates ahead of their Round 3 clash of the Vodacom United Rugby against Benetton Rugby in Treviso this Saturday. The lively halfback made the trip from London, shortly after clinching the 2025 Rugby Championship title with his fellow Boks. Van den Berg has been included in this week’s starting lineup for what will be his first URC appearance of the season.

Another Springbok Asenathi Ntlabakanye also makes a return to the run-on fifteen after coming off the bench in last week’s narrow 22-20 loss to Zebre in Parma.

Speaking ahead of Benetton, assistant coach Ricardo Loubscher says he is pleased to have the four-time international back in the fold, especially with the leadership qualities he brings.

“It’s just nice to have him back, he brings a different energy and leadership. He’s hungry to perform and help us get a good result,” he commented

“We had a proper look at the Zebre game. We’re creating the right pictures and opportunities, it’s all about execution,” Loubscher explained.

“It was pleasing to see the tries we scored, that speaks to our DNA. But you can’t just run from everywhere, it’s about being smart and building the right platform.

The Italians are fresh from a home victory against former champions Glasgow Warriors in Round 2 and will look at continuing that moment against a Lions outfit searching for their first win of the competition.

“They’re a quality outfit with a lot of internationals. Defensively they bring huge fight, they try to hold you up, slow you down and force mistakes. They play a Test-match style of rugby.

“Our game management will be crucial; we have to make sure we are getting into the right areas and then taking our chances,” he concluded.

JC Pretorius makes a welcome return after being sidelined due to injury. Amongst the impact players are front-rower Conraad van Vuuren and Jarod Cairns, with Manuel Rass in line for his first appearance of the international season.

Kick-off at Stadio Monigo is at 16:00 (SA time)

Lions 23 vs Benetton Rugby

1.           SJ Kotze

2.           Franco Marais

3.           Asenathi Ntlabakanye

4.           Etienne Oosthuizen

5.           Ruan Delport

6.           JC Pretorius

7.           Ruan Venter

8.           Francke Horn (c)

9.           Morne van den Berg

10.         Chris Smith

11.         Angelo Davids

12.         Richard Kriel

13.         Henco van Wyk

14.         Eduan Keyter

15.         Quan Horn

Replacements

16.         Morne Brandon

17.         RF Schoeman

18.         Conraad van Vuuren

19.         Darrien Landsberg

20.         Jarod Cairns

21.         Nico Steyn

22.         Sam Francis

23.         Manuel Rass