Lions ring the changes ahead of Wellington trip

Currie Cup pace setters, Fidelity ADT Lions, have been forced into some changes thanks to injury and sickness ahead of their match against Boland in Wellington on Sunday.

Flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela has been forced out with a bad case of flu, and will be replaced by Kade Wolhuter, the former WP and Stormers pivot who moved to the Lions last season.

Darrien Landsberg has been ruled out with a “head injury”, according to the team information, and won’t be available, meaning new signing Dylan Sjoblom gets a start in his place.

Prolific try scorer Rabz Maxwane has a wrist injury and is also unavailable with Kelly Mpeku replacing him in the starting line-up. At loosehead, SJ Kotze is elevated into the starting line-up to restart his partnership with RF Schoeman, which has been developing since junior rugby.

On the bench, experienced URC players Franco Marais and Juan Schoeman come into the matchday 23 to cover hooker and loosehead prop respectively, while Stian de Bruyn, the former Affies prop will make his debut if he gets onto the field.

Winning streaks on the line. Unbeaten starts under threat.
Round three of the Carling #CurrieCup is ready to explode 💥#WhereChampionsRise | #PremierRugbyRealPassion pic.twitter.com/fIliMFlfJb

— The Carling Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) August 6, 2025

Fidelity ADT Lions: Gianni Lombard; Angelo Davids, Mannie Rass, Rynhardt Jonker, Kelly Mpeku; Kade Wolhuter, Nico Steyn; WJ Steenkamp, Siba Qoma, Jarod Cairns, Raynard Roets, Dylan Sjoblom, RF Schoeman, Jaco Visagie (captain), SJ Kotze.

Replacements: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Stian de Bruyn, Johnre Stopforth, Luca Ribbens, Renzo du Plessis, Layton Horn, Bronson Mills.