Fresh from their 21-75 victory against the Airlink Pumas nearly a week ago in Mbombela, the Fidelity ADT Lions are back at Emirates Airline Park this Friday for their first home fixture of the 2024 Carling Currie Cup.

Head Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi has made three changes to his starting line-up which sees new signing Sibabalo Qoma claim his first start in a Lions jersey since joining in June alongside Ruhan Straeuli who wears the eight jumper. Youngster Kelly Mpeku features on the wing in place of Tapiwa Mafura who has been called up to represent the Zimbabwean national team in the Rugby Africa Cup.

“We’re incredibly excited to be at home this Friday to take on a very well coached Griquas side,” said Nkosi. We are quite keen to continue with the momentum we’ve managed to build thus far against a side who themselves claimed victory against the Sharks last week. It’s going to be a big one for the guys in familiar territory at Emirates Airline Park so we look forward to it,” he concluded.

Hooker Morne Brandon covers for skipper Jaco Visagie on the bench with notable additions of Luca Ribbons and Bronson Mills completing the bench.

Kick-off at Emirates Airline Park on Friday is at 15:00.

Fidelity ADT Lions 23

1.           Morgan Naude

2.           Jaco Visagie (c)

3.           RF Schoeman

4.           Raynard Roets

5.           Ruben Schoeman

6.           Jarod Cairns

7.           Sibablo Qoma

8.           Ruhan Straeuli

9.           Nico Steyn

10.         Sam Francis

11.         Kelly Mpeku

12.         Rynhardt Jonker

13.         Manuel Rass

14.         Rabz Maxwane

15.         Gianni Lombard

Replacements

16.         Morne Brandon

17.         SJ Kotze

18.         Conrad van Vuuren

19.         Luca Ribbons

20.         Renzo du Plessis

21.         Layton Horn

22.         Zander du Plessis

23.         Bronson Mills

Players not considered due to injury or otherwise:

-Kade Wolhuter, Edwill van der Merwe and Izan Esterhuizen (injury)

-Ruan Venter, Morne van den Berg and Tapiwa Mafura (all international duty)

Fidelity ADT Lions 2024 Currie Fixtures:

19 July 2024- Suzuki Griquas (H)

27 July 2024- Hollywoodbets Sharks (H)

04 August 2024- Suzuki Griquas (A)

10 August 2024- Airlink Pumas (H)

17 August 2024- DHL Western Province (H)

24 August 2024- Toyota Cheetahs (A)

30 August 2024- Vodacom Bulls (A)

6 September 2024- Novavit Griffons (H)