Bone Collector returns to Lions fray for Challenge Cup

Willem Alberts and Henco van Wyk have been selected in the Lions starting lineup for Friday’s European Challenge Cup showdown at Ellis Park.

Starting at lock, Springbok Willem Alberts will face his former team whom he spent over five seasons in the French capital with. Alberts pairs up with Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who also makes a return to the starting XV.

Elsewhere, SA Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee for 2022 Henco van Wk, returns from suspension to partner Marius Louw in the midfield, while Quan Horn slots into the left wing position.

Challenge Cup: Lions, Dragons clash ends in a stalemate

Veteran prop Ruan Dreyer was not considered for selection due to an injury, meaning Asenathi Ntlabakanye and JP Smith are the starting props in this match with Jaco Visagie at hooker.

This round two Challenge Cup showdown will be the first-ever clash between the Jaco Kriel-led Lions and the French giants Stade Francais.

The Lions are fresh from a 31-31 draw against Dragons RFC at the same venue last week Saturday in the opener of the European competition.

Commenting on the importance of having Alberts and scrumhalf Andre Warner, who both played for Stade Francais, at his disposal, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said:

“We are fortunate to have both Willem and Andre who have played for Stade Francias. Their input has been valuable during the week so we look forward to capitalizing on that intel.”

Lions vs Stade Francais Challenge Cup teams

Lions — 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Henco Van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Quan Horn, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jaco Kriel (captain), 5 Pieter Jansen van Vuren, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith.
Subs: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Darrian Landsberg, 21 Sangweni Sibusiso, 22 André Warner, 23 Rynhardt Jonker,

Stade Francais — 15 Léo Monin, 14 Nadir Megdoud, 13 Paolo Odogwu, 12 Theo Dachary, 11 Harry Glover, 10 Léo Barre, 9 James Hall, 8 Juan Martin Scelzo, 7 Mathieu Hirigoyen, 6 Giorgi Tsutkiridze, 5 Juan Johan Van der Mescht, 4 Nathan Huguen, 3 Giorgi Melikidze, 2 Laurent Panis (captain), 1 Vasil Kakovin.
Subs: 16 Lucas Peyresblanques, 17 Sergo Abramishvili, 18 Paul Alo Emile, 19 Noa Kanika, 20 Arthur Coville, 21 Alex Arrate, 22. Ferdinand Dreno, 23. Moses Alo Emile.

WATCH: Highlights of the Lions and Cheetahs’ Challenge Cup debuts [Video]

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England) & Sara Cox (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)