Hlekani set to debut for Lions

The Lions are set to give their newest recruit - SA Under-20 star Batho Hlekani - his first start for the side when they take on Lyon in the EPCR Challenge Cup match at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Hlekani was one of the standout players in the SA Under-20 squad last year that swept to the Junior World Championship, and was at the Sharks until the end of last year, joining the Lions after new year to continue his career in Johannesburg.

Hlekani’s presence will be keenly watched, especially as his Junior Bok teammate Haashim Pead has yet to start for the Lions and is on the bench again. Pead has had a sum total of 35 minutes of action since returning from the Junior World Championship and last week - in the 15 minutes he got - scored the winning try to beat the Sharks for the Lions.

The Joburg side have some other issues - with Asenathi Ntlabakanye ruled out with a hamstring niggle, and replaced by Conraad van Vuuren at tighthead, while Renzo du Plessis comes into the loose trio to replace the suspended Ruan Venter. Du Plessis will partner Francke Horn and Siba Qoma.

Richard Kriel also makes an appearance on the wing.

In the midfield Henco van Wyk makes a long-awaited return from injury and will come off the bench in his return.

Home for the first time in 2026. 🏟️
Come back the boys at Ellis Park. 🦁
🆚 Lyon
🗓: Sat, 10 Jan
⏰: 17:15
🎟️: https://t.co/0O4ziFDL9w
🏟: Ellis Park Stadium#ChallengeCupRugby| #ForOurCity| #LIOvLYO#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/MBkPbH8hQO — Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 5, 2026

Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys in his analysis of his opponents stressed on how good their set piece is and the danger they possess once momentum is acquired.

“The difficult thing about the French teams is that you never know which team you are going to play,” Redelinghuys said.

“Home or away, you can never be sure of who is going to be selected. They are very good when they get momentum at the beginning coupled with a very good kicking game.

“The French are smart with when they shoot up, and they are careful in their own half until they feel they can make an attack. For us, we know we have to be awake,” he cautioned.

“Obviously they bring a massive set-piece focus. They pride themselves in that,” he concluded.

Lions: Quan Horn; Richard Kriel, Erich Cronje, Bronson Mills, Angelo Davids; Chris Smith, Morne van den Berg; Francke Horn (captain), Siba Qoma, Renzo du Plessis, Ruan Delport, Dylan Sjoblom, Conrad van Vuuren, PJ Botha, Eddie Davids.

Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Sebastian Lombard, Ruben Schoeman, Batho Hlekani, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Rabz Maxwane.