Pead handed chance to shine as Lions back youthful spark for Sharks clash

Junior Springbok scrumhalf Haashim Pead has been handed another golden opportunity to underline his growing reputation after being included on the Lions bench for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks in Durban (3.30pm kick-off).

The exciting youngster, who has been knocking loudly on the door with his performances at junior level, is set to provide impact cover for Springbok No 9 Morné van den Berg in what promises to be a high-tempo derby at Kings Park. 

There has been a strong clamour from Lions supporters for Pead’s inclusion, and the Sharks encounter presents a valuable platform for the rising star to showcase his speed, composure and eye for a gap on one of the toughest stages in the competition. 

The  Lions have remained largely settled despite injury setbacks. The Joburg outfit will be without locks Darrien Landsberg and Reinhard Nothnagel, who picked up respective shoulder and concussion issues in the loss to the Stormers in Cape Town a fortnight ago. Their absence sees Etienne Oosthuizen and Ruben Schoeman combine in the engine room, with Francke Horn continuing to lead the side from No 8.

There is also a change at loosehead prop, where Eddie Davids steps into the starting XV with SJ Kotze ruled out through injury. Renzo du Plessis adds further dynamism to the bench, giving the Lions extra punch among the forwards late in the game. 

In the backline, Chris Smith retains the No 10 jersey and will be tasked with steering the Lions around the Shark Tank using his reliable tactical kicking and game management.

Bok fullback Quan Horn is also a lethal attacking weapon for the Lions, as is speedster Angelo Davids, who comes in on the left wing for Eduan Keyter, who is following standard concussion protocols. Richard Kriel offers versatile backline cover among the replacements.

Bronson Mills and Erich Cronje will once again partner in midfield as the Lions continue to manage the absence of influential centre Henco van Wyk. 

The Lions are ninth on the log table, with 17 points from seven games, while the Sharks are in 14th place with 12 points from their seven games. 

Lions team to face the Sharks: 15. Quan Horn, 14. Kelly Mpeku, 13. Erich Cronje, 12. Bronson Mills, 11. Angelo Davids, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Morné van den Berg, 8. Francke Horn (captain), 7. Ruan Venter,  6. Jarod Cairns, 5. Ruben Schoeman, 4. Etienne Oostuizen, 3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2. PJ Botha, 1. Eddie Davids.
Replacements: 16. Morné Brandon, 17. RF Shoeman, 18. Conrad van Vuuren, 19. Ruan Delport, 20. Siba Qoma, 21. Renzo du Plessis, 22. Haashim Pead, 23. Richard Kriel.