Two Springboks boost Lions for All Blacks battle at Ellis Park

The Lions will have two Springboks available for their meeting with the All Blacks at Ellis Park after the pair were released from the national squad. The match will be New Zealand’s final fixture against South African franchises before the All Blacks turn their attention to the Tests.

Boan Venter is included among the Lions’ replacements, giving the home side added strength at loosehead prop. The second released Springbok is part of the wider boost confirmed for the Lions, although the supplied team selection does not identify that player separately.

Quan Horn starts at fullback, with Kelly Mpeku and Erich Cronje named on the wings. Henco van Wyk lines up at outside centre alongside Richard Kriel, while Nico Steyn and Chris Smit form the halfback pairing at scrumhalf and flyhalf.

Francke Horn captains the side from No.8. Batho Hlekani and Siba Mahashe complete the loose trio, with Ruan Delport and Etienne Oosthuizen selected in the second row. Sebastian Lombard, PJ Botha and SJ Kotze make up the starting front row.

Morne Brandon is the reserve hooker, while Venter is joined among the forwards on the bench by RF Schoeman, Hyron Andrews and Sikhumbuzo Notshe. JC Pretorius, Haashim Pead and Boeta Chamberlain provide further options among the replacements.

The Lions will therefore face the All Blacks with a starting group led by Horn and supported by an experienced tight five, while the bench includes Venter and former Sevens player Pretorius. The fixture at Ellis Park carries added significance as New Zealand’s last encounter with the South African franchises before the international Test programme begins.