While he won't be up against the likes of Josh van der Flier or Caelan Doris, Lions loose forward Siba Mahase will look to continue his crunching form in the URC when they face Leinster on Saturday evening in Dublin.
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The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown in Dublin on Saturday evening as the Lions face defending United Rugby Championship (URC) winners Leinster in a clash that could decide who finishes third on the URC log with one round to go.
Both teams carry plenty of momentum and even more pressure into arguably the most anticipated fixture of the weekend at the Aviva Stadium (6.30pm kick-off).
The Lions arrived in Dublin brimming with confidence after stringing together six consecutive victories, a remarkable run that has reignited belief within the Johannesburg-based side. But despite their impressive form, they know the challenge awaiting them will be their toughest test yet.
The Irish powerhouse, desperate to remain on course to defend their URC crown, will be geared to protect their home turf and halt the Lions’ surge up the standings. Whoever wins the clash will take the third spot ahead of a blockbuster final weekend of league matches. It can put them in control to clinch a home quarter-final match.
Lions assistant coach Jaque Fourie believes recent performances have strengthened the team mentally ahead of the massive encounter.
“For us now, I think we’ve had four or five big results at home, which has built a lot of confidence. But that’s what you need when you come to Leinster to play them,” according to Fourie.
The Lions got themselves into this position by stringing together strong performances at Ellis Park. Now, they must show their Championship credentials in a tough clash with the title-holders. They must back themselves to do the job as they look to secure a first-ever play-off match in the URC.
Lions XV
15 Quan Horn, 14 Erich Cronje, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Nico Streyn, 23 Kelly Mpeku.
Leinster XV
15 Ciarán Frawley, 14 Joshua Kenny, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 James Culhane, 7 Will Connors, 6 Max Deegan, 5 James Ryan (captain), 4 Brian Deeny, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 John McKee, 1 Ed Byrne.
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Rabah Slimani, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Scott Penny, 21 Fintan Gunne, 22 Hugh Cooney, 23 Hugo Keenan.
Kick-off: 6.30pm, Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland). AR1: Keane Davison (Ireland), AR2: Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland). TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland).