Lions vs Griquas: Ntlabakanye Returns For Currie Cup Final After Drug Test Shock
The Lions will head into Saturday’s Currie Cup final against Griquas at Ellis Park with a major boost. Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye returns to the action following a turbulent few weeks. The 26-year-old tighthead has been named vice-captain and will start in the No. 3 jersey.
Regular skipper PJ Botha misses the clash after sustaining an injury in last week’s semi-final against Boland, meaning fullback Quan Horn takes over the captaincy.
Coach Mziwakhe Nkosi confirmed that Ntlabakanye remains eligible to play despite his recent drug test shock.
“He has been charged, but not suspended, and as a contracted Lions player, he must play,” Nkosi said on Thursday. “He’s had time to process everything, prepare for his hearing in December, and now he’s ready to lead from the front. We are all behind him.”
Ntlabakanye’s Road Back
Ntlabakanye made his Springbok debut earlier this year but was left out of the Rugby Championship squad. This is after testing positive for a non-performance-enhancing substance. The prop is believed to have ingested the banned drug through treatment prescribed for weight loss earlier in the year.
Despite the setback, he has returned to full training over the past two weeks. He recently won the Players’ Player of the Year award at the Lions’ end-of-season function. This is a testament to the respect he commands among his teammates. He is also expected to tour with the Lions to Wales next week when the United Rugby Championship (URC) gets underway.
Also read: ‘I Did Nothing Wrong’: Asenathi Ntlabakanye Denies Doping After Positive Result
Lions Riding Momentum into the Final
Nkosi says his team is approaching their second consecutive Currie Cup final with confidence. “It’s special to reach back-to-back domestic finals for the first time since 2014 and 2015,” he said. “We’ve had a strong build-up this week and confidence is high. Playing at Ellis Park adds another layer of motivation.”
Flyhalf Chris Smit echoed his coach’s thoughts: “The semi-final against Boland was a big test because they’d beaten us earlier in the competition. We were clinical, we built momentum, and we want to carry that into Saturday’s final.”
Lions’ Final XV to Face Griquas
Starting XV: 15 Quan Horn (captain), 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Dylan Sjoblom, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Hashim Pead, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.
Also read: Springboks vs Australia: Rassie Names 37-Man Squad with Fresh Faces
Lions vs Griquas: Ellis Park Set for a Fierce Battle
With a passionate home crowd expected, the Lions will look to use the Ellis Park atmosphere to their advantage as they chase Currie Cup glory. Ntlabakanye’s return brings a mix of emotion and leadership to a squad hungry to lift silverware. The Griquas will be equally determined to spoil the party, setting the stage for a gripping clash that could go down to the wire.
