PJ Botha’s Return Adds Bite As Lions Gear Up For Stormers Showdown In Cape Town

The United Rugby Championship always feels a little louder when South African derbies roll around, and this weekend’s clash between the Lions and Stormers in Cape Town has all the ingredients of a proper summer blockbuster.

For the Johannesburg side, the headlines start with a familiar name. PJ Botha is back in the starting lineup, a return that adds steel and experience just as the Lions step into one of the toughest environments in the competition.

Fresh off a confidence-boosting win over the Bulls in Pretoria, Ivan van Rooyen’s men arrive in the Mother City knowing momentum matters, especially against an unbeaten Stormers side that has turned DHL Stadium into a fortress.

PJ Botha’s Return Comes At The Right Time

Botha’s journey back has been carefully managed. After making his competitive return during last week’s EPCR Challenge Cup trip to Newcastle, the hooker now steps straight into a high-pressure URC derby.

For a Lions pack that prides itself on physicality and work rate, his presence at hooker brings stability at set piece time and leadership around the park. In a derby where fine margins often decide the outcome, that experience could prove crucial.

A Settled Lions Squad Builds Confidence

Van Rooyen has largely kept faith with combinations that have delivered in recent weeks. Dylan Sjoblom and Siba Qoma continue to feature after eye-catching performances, while several Springbok names return to underline the seriousness of the occasion.

Quan Horn slots in at fullback, with Morne van den Berg directing play at scrumhalf. Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye add muscle to the forward pack, giving the Lions a blend of youth, power, and Test-level composure.

In Johannesburg rugby circles, there is a quiet belief that this group is starting to mature together, and social media reaction from Lions supporters has reflected that growing optimism, especially after the Bulls result.

Jaque Fourie’s Warning About Cape Town Chaos

Assistant coach Jaque Fourie knows both teams better than most, having worn the colours of the Lions and Stormers during his playing career.

His message ahead of the trip south has been clear. Cape Town rewards accuracy and punishes recklessness.

The Stormers thrive when games lose structure. Missed tackles or rushed decisions can turn into points within seconds. For the Lions, patience and discipline will be just as important as ambition.

Fourie has made it clear that this is not a sightseeing tour. The Lions are travelling with intent and belief that they can upset the hosts on their own patch.

More Than Just Another Derby

Kick-off at DHL Stadium is set for 15:30, a classic afternoon slot that usually brings a packed crowd and a fast surface. For the Lions, this match is about more than league points. It is a test of growth, resilience, and whether their recent progress can stand up against one of the URC’s benchmark teams.

Win or lose, this derby will say plenty about where the Lions truly are this season. And with PJ Botha back in the mix, they will feel ready for the fight.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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