URC: Lions name strong squad for Cardiff clash as key players return

Springboks Ruan Venter and Quan Horn both make welcome returns to the starting XV and are sure to provide a major boost for the team. Explosive centre Henco van Wyk is also back to add some valuable impact off the bench.

In the back row, JC Pretorius slots into the No 6 jersey after missing the previous match due to a training niggle. Meanwhile, Junior Springbok Nico Steyn steps in at scrumhalf, replacing Morne van Berg, who is sidelined with a finger injury sustained against the Sharks two weeks ago.

Young scrumhalf Layton Horn could make his international franchise debut if called upon from the bench, which also includes standout performers Siba Qoma and Jarod Cairns, both of whom impressed in Durban against the Sharks.

The Lions currently sit in eighth place with 29 points on the URC table and will be eager to come away from their European tour with some points to keep their momentum going. Friday's opponents Cardiff are in sixth place with 31 points, so a victory away from home for the Gauteng outfit could see them make a significant jump on the table.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman.

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Jarod Cairns, 23 Henco van Wyk.

READ MORE: Sharks coach John Plumtree gives positive update on injured Springbok trio