On the back of an outstanding win overseas in the opening round of the European Challenge Cup the Lions return to Johannesburg for their next assignment which comes against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday.
Lions v Newcastle Falcons, Saturday 16th December, Johannesburg, KO 17:15 (South African time)
Referee: Benoit Rousselet (Fra)
Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (Ita) , Filippo Russo (Ita)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Weather Forecast – Johannesburg
Lions:
The Lions were 5/1 underdogs for their first round clash away to Perpignan and we thought they were worth a nibble. That call paid dividends as the Lions, who led 16-12 at half time, came out on top 28-12 with Rabz Maxwane scoring the only try of the game early on and Jordan Hendrikse kicked a total of 23 points from the boot. That win saw the Lions finish the round in third spot in Pool 2 with 4 points, 1 shy of Montpellier and the Ospreys.
The Lions URC form comprises of 3 wins and 4 defeats which puts them ninth on the log and they have earned at least 1 bonus point in all of their outings so far.
In the Challenge Cup last season the Lions won 2, drew 1 and lost 1 of their pool matches. In the Round of 16 they thrashed Racing 92 in Johannesburg 51-28 but they bowed out in the quarter finals with a 31-21 defeat away to Glasgow Warriors who eventually finished as runners up to Toulon.
After this the Lions visit Montpellier and in the final round of pool matches they are at home to the Ospreys
Newcastle Falcons:
The Falcons hosted Montpellier in their opening match of the tournament and they went down 24-19. They were 12-0 down at half time and 17-0 down early in the second half but fought back with 3 tries of their own to at least secure a losing bonus point.
In the Gallagher Premierhship the Falcons have lost all 8 of their matches so far, picking up 3 losing bonus points and they are 8 points adrift at the foot of the standings.
After this the Falcons host Benetton and their final pool match comprises of a visit to USA Perpignan,
Team News
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Rynhardt Jonker, 12 Marius Louw (captain), 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Sanele Nohamba, 9 Morne Van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Emmanuel Tshituka 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Williem Alberts, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Hanry Sirgel, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Gianni Lombard.
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Elliott Obatoyinbo, 14 Nathan Greenwood, 13 Ben Stevenson, 12 Cameron Hutchison, 11 Louis Brown, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Josh Barton, 8 John Kelly, 7 Josh Bainbridge (captain), 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Kiran McDonald, 4 Tim Cardall, 3 Mark Tampin, 2 Charlie Maddison, 1 Adam Brocklebank
Replacements: 16 Michael van Vuuren, 17 Mark Dormer, 18 Murray McCallum, 19 Adam Scott, 20 Freddie Lockwood, 21 Ben Douglas, 22 Josh Thomas, 23 George Wacokecoke
The Betting
Lions -24.5 points at 9/10
Falcons +24.5 points at 9/10
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
8am Saturday morning and those bookmakers who have priced up have the line at 24.5 points. Newcastle are having a miserable season but they did show plenty of spirit to go close to Montpellier last week and 24.5 might well be enough.
Bet: Falcons +25.5 points at 9/10 widely availble
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Subscribe to our free weekly betting mailer which will include our best and value bets below.
