Lions unleash Bok behemoth against defending URC champions Leinster

New signing and Springbok Boan Venter will run out at prop for the hosts, who finished eighth last season to secure their first-ever URC playoff berth and also lifted the South African Shield.

Staying in the forwards, talisman Francke Horn will once again captain the side and be flanked by the talented Siba Mahashe and bruiser Batho Hlekani.

The experienced Nico Steyn and Chris Smith will drive the game from scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively. The backline includes the destructive Henco van Wyk, journeyman Boeta Chamberlain and wingers Kelly Mpeku and Erich Cronje.

Ivan van Rooyen's men are seeking revenge for their 59-10 defeat at the hands of Leinster in last season's URC quarterfinal in Dublin.

Lions - 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 JC Pretorius, 21 Siba Qoma, 22 Zian Cilliers, 23 Ethan Adams.