The Emirates Lions travel to Scotstoun on Friday night hunting redemption and a morale-boosting victory to salvage a turbulent European tour. After last week’s stumble against Edinburgh left them nursing wounds, Ivan van Rooyen’s charges face a Glasgow Warriors side brimming with international quality in what promises to be a proper arm-wrestle under the lights. Kick-off is at 21:45 South African time.
Also read: Lions seek strength in Edinburgh battle after week of heartbreak
Van Rooyen has rolled the dice with his selection, opting for a completely rejigged front row as the Lions look to finish their Scottish double-header on a high before the long haul back to Johannesburg. SJ Kotze takes the loosehead berth, Tiaan Lange pulls on the No.2 jersey and RF Schoeman anchors proceedings at tighthead, a combination designed to put serious heat on Glasgow’s scrum, a facet the Lions have prided themselves on in recent seasons.
Etienne Oosthuizen returns to the second row after departing early against Edinburgh, bolstering a pack that will need every ounce of his physicality and lineout nous against Franco Smith’s well-drilled outfit.
Loose trio restored
In the back row, Francke Horn continues to lead from No.8, flanked by the fit-again Siba Qoma, who’s shaken off concussion protocols, and the athletic Siba Mahashe. The trio will need to be at their destructive best if the Lions are to disrupt Glasgow’s attacking ambitions.
Behind the scrum, the only change sees Springbok scrumhalf Morné van den Berg restored to the starting XV, with last week’s starter Nico Steyn dropping to the bench. Van den Berg’s experience and game management could prove crucial in what’s likely to be a tight, physical affair.
Respecting the Warriors
Assistant coach Wessel Roux didn’t sugarcoat the challenge awaiting his side at Scotstoun, paying particular respect to the international firepower at Glasgow’s disposal.
“They’re a really good side,” Roux admitted. “Most of them are international players, really well coached by Franco, and they have a real attacking mindset with amazing skills in the wet. Their set-piece is also good.”
It’s the sort of frank assessment that suggests the Lions know exactly what’s coming, and that anything less than their A-game will be brutally punished.
Lineout woes addressed
The Edinburgh defeat exposed significant lineout frailties that became a major talking point in the post-match debrief. Roux acknowledged the issues but insisted the coaching staff have worked extensively to iron out the kinks.
“We just had a combination of calls that were communicated incorrectly. Once or twice, we made the wrong call, so there was a communication issue, which is something we’ve worked on,” Roux explained.
“It was just a combination of a few things, but we’ve spoken about it at length and found solutions.”
The lineout is oxygen for any forward pack. Lose that battle, and you’re constantly firefighting rather than dictating terms.
Bench firepower
Van Rooyen has assembled a bench capable of providing genuine impact in the final quarter. Boan Venter, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Boeta Chamberlain headline the reinforcements, offering fresh legs and game-breaking ability when the match enters its decisive phase.
Friday night under the Scotstoun lights promises intensity, brutality and high stakes. Glasgow won’t hand them anything. The Lions will have to earn every inch.
Lions team to face Glasgow
15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronjé, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horne (captain), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Dylan Sjoblom, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Richard Kriel, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.
