3 days ago
Lions aim to redeem themselves against Pumas in Currie Cup catfight in Nelspruit
Lubabalo Dobela is back at flyhalf for the Lions and must lead their attack against the Pumas on Saturday in Nelspruit.
Image: BackpagePix
'We have to make amends in terms of our performance.'
That is what Lions head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi wants to see from his team in another tough encounter away from home against the Pumas on Saturday afternoon.
Following their loss in Wellington against the Boland Cavaliers, the Johannesburg side is in a vital must-win duel, and the supporters will be excited for the match at the Nelspruit Rugby Club (2 pm start).
'If we make amends in (our) performance, then hopefully the result will go our way,' Nkosi said ahead of the clash.
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'That said, the Pumas turned up in a big way against the Bulls (at Loftus), who themselves are a strong outfit and up until the start of last weekend, we were the log-leaders. In that respect, there have been many serious words and raw conversations, not in disrespect to Boland, but about our performance, or lack thereof.
'We let ourselves down in a big way and want to make up for it by delivering an incredible response.'
Nkosi added that they are excited about the game being 'taken to the people' and they look forward to playing at the Nelspruit Rugby Club.
He made a couple of changes to the side that lost to the Cavaliers, bringing in enforcer lock Ruben Schoeman and playmaker-flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela. Loose forward Renzo du Plessis will also add some grunt to the starting pack. The addition of Dobela could give their dangerous backline some direction on the attack.
'It didn't go really well for us with our set pieces, and our lineouts were off-colour, and there were one or two inaccurate and unforced errors at scrum time. I believe we remedied that. Coming up against the Pumas, known for the performance they dished up last week, we are aware of what we are facing. We are not disillusioned.
Four blockbuster battles in round four 🔥 The race for Carling #CurrieCup glory is heating up! #WhereChampionsRise | #PremierRugbyRealPassion — The Carling Currie Cup (@TheCurrieCup) August 14, 2025
