Sam Francis returns as Lions face Newcastle in crucial Challenge Cup match

Young Lions flyhalf Sam Francis returns to the starting line-up to face the Newcastle Red Bulls in the second Challenge Cup group match at Kingston Park Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday (7.30pm kick-off) after a long absence, with the pivot's stronger kicking game likely the deciding factor.

Utlity back Lubabalo Dobela, who excels at attacking the line and probing for gaps, will provide flyhalf backup on the bench for coach Ivan van Rooyen's heavily rotated side. Richard Kriel and Manuel Rass will combine at centre and will look to give the Lions backline some striking power in the midfield.

On the wing Rabz Maxwane will make his return after a lengthy injury, forming a back-three with fellow speedster Angelo Davids and Gianni Lombard, who will dictate play from fullback in the absence of Bok Quan Horn. The dependable Nico Steyn will keep things ticking over at scrumhalf.  

The battle among the forward packs and at the breakdown is expected to be crucial, and Griquas loanee Eddie Davids will pack down in a powerful front row alongside hooker Morne Brandon and prop RF Schoeman, with fellow Griquas prop Leon Lyons in line for his international debut for the Lions off the bench. Veteran hooker PJ Botha is also sure to get some minutes as he continues his recovery from injury.

No 8 WJ Steenkamp will lead the 23-man squad in the absence of Francke Horn and is joined in the loose trio by hard-running flanker Siba Qoma and the exciting Renzo du Plessis. Their speed in securing ruck ball could go a long way in deciding the direction of the contest. 

The Lions are braced for a tactical battle in the expected cold conditions in the north-east of England that are a stark contrast to sunny Joburg, with assistant coach Barend Pieterse admitting earlier this week that a free-flowing game was unlikely.

They are hoping to bounce back from last weekend's disappointing home loss to Benetton in the opening round of the competition, while Newcastle are coming off the high of an impressive away win against Lyon.

Lions XV

15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Sam Francis, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp (captain), 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Renzo du Plessis, 5 Ruben Schoeman, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 Morné Brandon, 1 Eddie Davids.

Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Jarod Cairns, 21 Haashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhard Jonker