The Lions will head into their EPCR Challenge Cup game against the Newcastle Red Bulls with a new captain in flanker WJ Steenkamp as they look to try and save their European campaign in week two of the pool rounds.
A shock loss to Benetton in their opening game was not what they had wanted after three straight wins in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, and while they were in control against Benetton, two late tries by the Italian side stole the match away from them.
The Lions may be hoping for a lot though, as they have sent a relatively inexperienced and young side to Newcastle for the game, and will be up against it.
Let's go Lions. Here's your Match 23 to face the Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday night.#ChallengeCupRugby | #ForOurCity | #NEWvLIO#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/kb25FrfWTi
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) December 12, 2025
That being said, Newcastle have some troubles of their own. They are bottom of the Premiership log and haven’t won a game yet this season, but do feature some very familiar names in Boeta Chamberlain, the ex-Bulls and Sharks pivot and ex-Free Stater Luan de Bruin in their ranks.
The rejigged squad sees a new midfield combination of Richard Kriel and Mannie Rass, while Rabz Maxwane is back on the wing after missing most of the season with injury.
Gianni Lombard comes in at fullback, while Angelo Davids returns to the left wing and Sam Francis takes over at 10.
Steenkamp’s loose forward teammates are also a mix, with Renzo du Plessis and Siba Qoma making up the back row, with Ruben Schoeman and Dylan Sjoblom in the engine room.
Eddie Davids starts in the front row along with Morne Brandon and RF Schoeman.
On the bench, hooker PJ Botha returns, while Leon Lyons will make his international debut for the Lions.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm and is live on SuperSport.
Lions: Gianni Lombard; Rabz Maxwane, Mannie Rass, Richard Kriel, Angelo Davids; Sam Francis, Nico Steyn; WJ Steenkamp, Siba Qoma, Renzo du Plessis, Ruben Schoeman, Dylan Sjoblom, RF Schoeman, Morne Brandon, Eddie Davids.
Replacements: Leon Lyons, PJ Botha, Conraad van Vuuren, Ruan Delport, Jarod Cairns, Haashim Pead, Lubabalo Dobela, Rynhardt Jonker.