The Lions’ quest for dominance will be boosted by the return from injury of Springbok fullback Quan Horn, while exciting backline prospect Kelly Mpeku is embarking on his debut tour.
LIONS winger Edwill van der Merwe expects a strong challenge from a “well-balanced” Montpellier team brimming with international experience in Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash in the south of France (7.30pm kick-off).
The Lions, who are fourth in their pool, lost 30-14 to the Ospreys away in round one, and beat Section Paloise (Pau) 43-35 at home in Johannesburg in the second round.
They face a tough third-round encounter against a Montpellier team riding high after comfortably dispatching the selfsame Ospreys 59-15 in their last Challenge Cup match and beating the Dragons in their opener.
The French giants are also enjoying a fine run in the Top 14.
“Obviously we’ve done our analysis, and they quite a physical team – big forwards – and they (are) a team who love attacking. So, we expect a running game from them, but they also quite well-balanced with their kicking game as well. So, well-rounded team, very well coached, so it will be a good challenge for us,” Van Der Merwe said yesterday shortly before their departure to France.
“And for us as a team, it’s (about) getting back to winning ways, so that will be the focus for this weekend.”
Catch him if you can! 🏃💨 Edwill van der Merwe turning the field into his personal playground. 🔥#VUpYourSummer | @Vodacom #URC | Emirates @LionsRugbyCo pic.twitter.com/2GuAEQKi9g
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) January 7, 2025
Montpellier boast a strong South African connection, with centre Jan Serfontein, winger Madosh Tambwe, lock-flank Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and Bok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach among their current players.
This connection may account for the physicality that Montpellier are known for.
But Van der Merwe feels that it is the mix of internationals in the squad that makes the French outfit so dangerous.
“Obviously they (are) a well-balanced team. They have other international players as well, so they have quality players,” he said.
“So, it will a really good challenge for us, and the thing with international players is they know how to play in the right areas and game management and that type of thing – if you look at Stuart Hogg, who’s been playing flyhalf for them.
“So, it will be a very good challenge, but we’re excited.
“Obviously we are South African team as well and we pride ourselves on physicality, so we won’t just go there to match whatever they bring. We want to dominate in every facet of the game.”
Your Emirates Lions touring squad heading to Montpellier for Round 3⃣ of the EPCR Challenge Cup.#ForOurCity
#ChallengeCupRugby#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/xfSFqykC9K— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) January 7, 2025
The Lions’ quest for dominance will be boosted by the return from injury of Springbok fullback Quan Horn, while exciting young backline prospect Kelly Mpeku is embarking on his debut tour.
However, the bad news on the injury front ahead of the third-round clash is the continued injury absence of winger Rabz Maxwane, lock Reinhard Nothnagel, forward Sibabalo Qoma and centre Henco van Wyk.
Lock Ruben Schoeman is also currently serving a five-match suspension due to ill-discipline.
Ruan Venter, Kade Wolhuter, Morné Brandon and Franco Marais will be available from next week for the Lions.
LIONS SQUAD
Forwards: PJ Botha, Ruan Delport, Izan Esterhuizen, Francke Horn, Darrien Landsberg, Morgan Naudé, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Etienne Oosthuizen, JC Pretorius, Juan Schoeman, RF Schoeman, WJ Steenkamp, Ruhan Straeuli, Conraad van Vuuren, Jaco Visagie.
Backs: Erich Cronjé, Sam Francis, Quan Horn, Rynhardt Jonker, Marius Louw, Tapiwa Mafura, Sanele Nohamba, Nico Steyn, Edwill van der Merwe, Gianni Lombard, Kelly Mpeku.
