Junior Boks bolster Lions for Challenge Cup tie against Perpignan

The Junior Bok bolters have impressed in the red and white of the Lions and have been given more responsibility this week. Francke Horn leads the charge from the back row alongside last week's man of the match Hlekani and Renzo du Plessis.

Coach Ivan van Rooyen's charges have also been bolstered by the return of lock Etienne Oosthuizen, who will partner Reinhard Nothnager in the second row.

Pead will look to get the potent back line going in his partnership with flyhalf Chris Smith. Elrich Cronje and the talented Henco van Wyk occupy the midfield, while an exciting back three of Eduan Keyter, Angelo Davids and Springbok fullback Quan Horn will be full of running.

A bonus-point win will significantly boost the Johannesburg outfit's chances at reaching the Challenge Cup playoffs.

Lions - 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Henco van Wyk, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Reinhard Nothnager, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morne Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids.

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruben Schoeman, 20 Darrien Landsberg, 21 Siba Mahashe, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Bronson Mills

READ MORE: SA Rugby Awards 2025 celebrates landmark season with nominees across nine categories