The 'Lions' team received a timely boost ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship match against leading 'Edinburgh' on Friday evening, as captain Franke Horn returned to the starting lineup after missing last week's Champions Cup match against 'La Rochelle'.
Horn's return is significant for the Johannesburg-based team, as this experienced forward has led the team for several seasons and established himself as a key figure in their front row trio.
Now, the 'Lions' must focus on the strong 'Edinburgh' side, which ranks first in the URC table and will be playing at home at Hive Stadium.
Bato Hlekani also joins the starting front row trio, replacing Sibu Komu, who suffered a concussion and is undergoing necessary concussion protocols.
Nico Stein will play in the midfield position, while P. J. Botha is on the bench, tasked with injecting energy into the forwards, alongside Siba Mashashe and midfielder Zian Killers.
'Lions' went through an exceptionally difficult week, but assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys noted that support from the international rugby community helped the team overcome an emotionally challenging period.
Redelinghuys stated: 'To say it was a tough week probably doesn't say much, but the support we received from almost everyone was huge.' He continued: 'The sadness everyone felt, and how it was processed, seemed genuine. How it was handled—locally, abroad, by our management, coaches, and players—felt very respectful, and that gave us some closure.'
Furthermore, the 'Lions' will gain valuable inside information during preparation for the meeting with the URC leaders, as prop Boan Winter spent about five seasons at 'Edinburgh' before returning to South Africa and joining the Johannesburg team.
Redelinghuys emphasized that Winter's familiarity with 'Edinburgh' players, coaching staff, and environment proved useful during preparations for Friday's match. He noted: 'He has some interesting insights—knowing the players well, knowing the coaches, the field, the environment, and the weather well.' According to the coach, 'he has good opinions that help us in preparation. One comment he made is that we might play in the first half and come out after the break; the weather is completely different.'