Lions Forced into Key Lineup Reshuffle Following Double Springbok Injury and Suspension Blow

The Lions face the Dragons without Van den Berg and Ntlabakanye. Nico Steyn and RF Schoeman step up as the Johannesburg side hunts for URC playoff points.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Injury and Disciplinary Hurdles Disrupt Lions Continuity

The Lions' preparations for their vital clash with the Dragons have been hampered by the sudden unavailability of two core Springbok representatives. Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, a central figure in the team's tactical kicking game, was ruled out after sustaining an injury during last weekend's fixture against Edinburgh. Simultaneously, powerhouse prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye remains absent as he undergoes a formal SAIDS hearing, stripping the Lions' front row of one of its most dominant physical presences at a critical juncture in the season.

Youthful Halfback Pairing Takes the Reins at Ellis Park

In the absence of Van den Berg, the coaching staff has handed the starting number nine jersey to Nico Steyn, who is tasked with directing the Lions' high tempo attack. Steyn will partner with flyhalf Chris Smith, the league's leading point scorer, in a combination that balances youthful energy with veteran game management. The bench also features the promising Haashim Pead, reflecting a strategic pivot toward developing internal depth while navigating the pressures of a tightly contested playoff race.

Front Row Reshuffle and the Return of Seasoned Stalwarts

The suspension of Ntlabakanye has created a primary opportunity for young tighthead RF Schoeman to prove his mettle in the starting lineup. To anchor the scrum, the Lions welcome back Etienne Oosthuizen, who missed the previous round due to illness. Oosthuizen will partner with Reinhard Nothnagel in the second row, a move intended to provide the necessary set piece stability to counter a Dragons pack that has historically proven stubborn in close quarters.