Pieterse backs touring cubs to shine as Lions brace for harsh Newcastle conditions

The Lions head to England with a refreshed squad and a clear focus on Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against the Newcastle Red Bulls (7.30pm kick-off), with assistant coach Barend Pieterse highlighting the opportunities for the team’s youngsters to stake a claim for future URC selection.

Heavy rotation was always part of the plan, Pieterse explained, at a media conference just before their departure on Monday; and not a knee-jerk response to the opening-round loss to Benetton this past weekend, or because the team are keeping one eye on 'bigger' fixtures, including a derby against the Stormers, on their return.

“We spoke a lot about it and took the decision when we started with our pre-season planning. It was always the idea. It’s a tough trip, and there’s no sense in underestimating Newcastle, especially with their good win over Lyon at the weekend.” he said. 

Several minor injuries have also influenced the squad adjustments, Pieterse revealed. The Lions are bracing for a physically demanding northern contest, with cold temperatures and potentially wet conditions shaping the gameplan. 

“It depends on the weather when we arrive,” Pieterse said.

“All the Newcastle games we’ve watched it wasn’t really raining but obviously it’s cold. There’s been snow the past two weeks and at times I think the ball is going to be wet.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a free-for-all game where we throw the ball around. We would like to keep it a little bit more tight, playing behind them and put them under pressure the same way they did this weekend against Lyon. That will be the plan.”

Pieterse said the team has prepared for both dry and wet conditions, ensuring the squad can adapt quickly to whatever the north-east of England delivers.

With a number of senior players rested, the tour offers the perfect platform for emerging talent to step into the spotlight. 

“I don’t think we’ll send them over there if we don’t expect them to be able to play there. A few weeks ago Siya (Dube) was at home and he wasn’t even thinking about rugby, but obviously with our prop injuries he came into the picture.

"I think they really are the next guys in line at the moment if there’s injuries, so it is a good opportunity just for them to see another side of the world and be part of the team and see how we travel and what we do.”

Pieterse believes that the experience of travel, exposure to cold, wet northern conditions, and the demands of a Challenge Cup tie will accelerate their development. He is confident that the mix of youth and experience will deliver the intensity and discipline required to challenge Newcastle. 

The Lions will be on the backfoot after losing their opening round after a poor second half display to Benetton this past weekend. A postive result against Newcastle is, therefore, a must.

“We need a win, especially after this weekend, so we’re going to go there for a win and if these youngsters can stand up and bring the energy and go showcase how we actually wanted to play this past weekend, that will be very nice,” he said. 

“If these guys play well, maybe they deserve a chance in the URC games. So, we’ll see how it goes.”

The Lions, meanwhile, were boosted by the news that loose forward Ruan Venter has extended his stay at Ellis Park until June 2028.