Lions prepare for match against undefeated Glasgow Warriors in Glasgow

The Lions have decided to bring experienced Springbok midfielder Morne van den Berg back into the starting lineup for the crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) match against Glasgow Warriors, which will take place in Scotland on Friday (starting at 21:45 local time).

This veteran is one of the few changes to the squad following the loss to Edinburgh last week. As one of the team's leaders, the player in position No. 9 will bear significant responsibility as the Johannesburg-based team strives for some success in the final match of the round.

The Lions are going through a difficult run of results, having lost their last three games, including two matches after the sudden death of blocker Hyron Andrews. After two unsuccessful attempts to win in Europe, they will desperately want to return home with at least one victory in their tally.

Other changes have occurred in the squad: Tian Lange starts at the hooker position for the first time, and S. J. Kotze and R. F. Schuman join the starting front row as looseheads, as the Lions aim to inject fresh energy into their scrum. The scrum could become an area where the Lions attempt to put pressure on the Warriors if this trio shows good cohesion during ball retention.

Blocker Etienne Oosthuizen, who left the field due to injury against Edinburgh, returns to add necessary power to the second line. Dynamic forwards Sibas Mahashe and Sibas Kom join captain Frank Horn in the backline. Their task is to provide the Lions with quick passing and forward momentum in attack.

Nico Stein, who was covering for van den Berg, will provide midfield coverage, while forward Sikumbuzo Notshe, versatile backfillers Richard Kriel, and Boeta Chamberlain will also be listed on the bench.

In recent weeks, the Lions have struggled to find their rhythm and will need to demonstrate greater stability, especially in defense and on the edges, to challenge the Glasgow team, which has not lost in four matches so far.

The physical strength of the Scottish team and its ability to exert pressure at Scotstoun Stadium will make this match potentially the toughest test for the Lions in the round. They will need to be mentally and physically prepared for this battle if they want to avoid another disappointing evening.

Arriving here without wins in the previous two encounters, despite showing strong fighting spirit, the visitors realize the importance of a strong finish before returning home for deserved rest.

The past week presented the Lions team with trials unimaginable within any rugby match. However, amidst the grief following the sudden passing of lock player Hayron Andrews, the Johannesburg-based team found solace in the sympathy of the entire rugby community and the bonds that unite the sport.

As the Lions prepare to face Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this week in Scotland, scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys reflected on the emotionally draining period when his team had to make the difficult decision to take the field against La Rochelle just one day after Andrews' death.

SA Rugby stated in a release last Friday that Andrews 'died after a fall at the team hotel in La Rochelle.'

For Redelinghuys, the support shown by players, opponents, staff, and people from around the world served as a powerful reminder that while rugby is fiercely competitive between the lines, it remains a game built on respect and humanity beyond those lines.

'Rugby remains rugby, and it should be a battle between four lines, but outside those lines it is a gentleman's game where people truly care about each other,' said Redelinghuys during an online press conference in Edinburgh yesterday.

This sentiment was evident during the Lions' challenging visit to France, where the reaction to Andrews' death made an indelible impression on the squad.

'To say it was a tough week is an understatement,' noted Redelinghuys. He mentioned that the sympathy shown by La Rochelle, who defeated them 31-14 on Saturday, was sincere and deeply meaningful. He added, 'From our arrival and after the match in the dressing room, the whole process was incredible. The way the rugby community can stick together proves that it is more than just a sport.'

The decision to play against La Rochelle was not easy. Immediately after Andrews' death, the Lions had to decide whether it was right to take the field to honor their teammate and his family. Players discussed various options, including postponing or forfeiting the match, before ultimately deciding to play.

'It was probably one of the hardest decisions players have ever had to make in rugby,' said Redelinghuys. The Lions were determined to play for Andrews, not to let the result define their performance. He added, 'We weren't going to worry about the result. We were going to worry about how much we played for Hayron, and I think we made him proud.'

Outside the context of the match itself, the priority remained supporting Andrews' family and ensuring they received guidance according to the family's needs during this incredibly difficult time. The Lions stayed in touch with the family, offering practical and emotional assistance while respecting their wishes regarding communication and further arrangements.

Redelinghuys also highlighted how MyPlayers supported everyone connected to the Lions. He reported, 'As soon as everything happened, there were people everywhere [offering us help]. MyPlayers immediately stepped up. There were different points of contact,' speaking about the support available to the players. He concluded, 'One of the amazing things about the team is that the guys support each other. We support each other as a team.'

Looking ahead to the match against Edinburgh on Friday, Redelinghuys commented on the team's preparation: 'There is no playbook for this. We can only trust and do everything we can. We need to support the guys as much as possible.'

Despite the sudden death of teammate Khairon Andrus, the Lions team demonstrated immense courage by deciding to continue the game against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup on Saturday at 18:30. Instead of withdrawing from the match, the players chose to honor the memory of their deceased teammate by taking the field and playing for him.

The Lions team was shocked by the discovery of Andrus's body in the hotel room bathroom on Friday morning. Following this, they had to make the difficult decision of whether to play before the match or somehow shift their focus to the game.

It is unknown whether Andrus was included in the starting lineup selected internally earlier in the week, but Ronan Delport will take position number 5 against the French team. In the absence of injured Frank Horn, Chris Smith will lead the team, with other changes also occurring in the squad. Morne Brandon will start the game at hooker, and Conrad van Vuren will return to the tighthead prop position.

Former Springbok player Sikumbuzo Notshe debuts in the Lions' starting lineup at number 8 after transferring from the French club Montauban, replacing Horn. Siba Mashashe will play on the open flank. In the attacking line, Bronson Mills returns to the inside centre position after a long injury layoff, and prolific scorer Erich Kronge once again plays on the left wing.

Earlier on Saturday, the Bulls host Stade Français, with coach Johan Ackermann making significant adjustments to the squad that lost to the Lions in the United Rugby Championship match last week. Despite the changes, the Bulls remain a formidable force. Handre Pollard returns to the flyhalf position instead of Kurvin Bosch, and all eyes will be on debutant Luan Gilimee at fullback, who was promoted after transferring from the Sharks.

The author predicts that the Bulls should have enough strength to overcome the French team, which has struggled away from home, and bets on the home team winning by 15 points or more.

Between the Bulls match, which starts at 14:00, and the evening Lions game, Stormers will face Bristol Bears in Cape Town at 16:15. John Dobson has named the squad consisting of current Springboks players again, although the visitors are not expected to give up easily. Bristol is an adventurous team that plays exciting rugby, but the Stormers should possess enough quality to secure a victory by 10 points.

In the second division of the Champions Cup, Sharks begin the game against the Lions at 14:00, which unfortunately coincides with the Bulls match. J.P. Petersen kept six Springboks at home, but the Sharks still look like a competitive squad. Nevertheless, the home advantage of the Lions may prove decisive, and the French team is expected to win by five points or more.