Ntlabakanye returns to action for Currie Cup final

Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye will start for the Lions in Saturday’s Currie Cup final against the Griquas at Ellis Park.

Ntlabakanye is one of 2 changes to the starting line-up that decimated the Boland Kavaliers 67-19 in last week’s semifinal at the same venue. He comes into the side in place of RF Schoeman, who’s been named on the bench while regular captain PJ Botha also misses out after sustaining an injury in the semi and will be replaced by Franco Marais.

Ntlabakanye’s selection in the team raises a few eyebrows as he’s currently battling a doping case. It was revealed last month that he’d tested positive for a non-performance-enhancing substance in July and was not considered for the Springbok tour to New Zealand.

SA Rugby has stated that the substance that was found in Ntlabakanye’s system was prescribed by a specialist physician under the supervision of a medical doctor. This will be his first match since that positive test came to light.

ALSO READ: Bok player Asenathi Ntlabakanye faces four-year ban after second doping charge

Lions coach Mziwakhe Nkosi had no hesitation including Ntlabakanye as they target a first Currie Cup title in 10 years and says the player has the full support of everyone at the franchise.

"He's been formally charged by the South Africa Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) but not suspended. In the interim, he is a contracted rugby player at the Lions, so he must play. Importantly, however, we have chatted to him, and he is emotionally comfortable to play on Saturday- in fact, he is the vice-captain of the team. There is a lot of backing for Asenathi starting right at the top from our Chairman, CEO, management and players," Nkosi said.

Fullback Quan Horn will lead the Lions in Botha’s absence.

Kick-off at Ellis Park is at 15:00

Lions squad to play the Griquas

1. SJ Kotze
2. Franco Marais
3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye (vc)
4. Dylan Sjoblom
5. Ruan Delport
6. Jarod Cairns
7. Ruan Venter
8. WJ Steenkamp
9. Nico Steyn
10. Chris Smit
11. Angelo Davids
12. Richard Kriel
13. Henco van Wyk
14. Kelly Mpeku

15. Quan Horn (c)

Replacements
16. Morne Brandon
17. Juan Schoeman
18. RF Schoeman
19. Darrien Landsberg
20. Renzo du Plessis
21. Haashim Pead
22. Lubabalo Dobela
23. Rynhardt Jonker