Morne van den Berg Returns as Lions Gear Up for Benetton Showdown

The Lions are looking to reignite their United Rugby Championship campaign this weekend, and they’re bringing a familiar spark back into the mix. Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg makes his much-anticipated return as the Joburg side face Benetton in Treviso on Saturday.

Van Den Berg Back To Steer The Ship

After a tough pair of defeats on the road, the Lions are eager to rediscover their rhythm and few players command the tempo quite like Van den Berg. Known for his quick delivery and attacking energy, the Bok halfback will line up alongside Chris Smith, forming an experienced and balanced halfback partnership that could be key to turning things around.

Van den Berg’s return not only injects pace but also a sense of composure in critical phases something the Lions have been missing in recent weeks.

Power And Experience In The Pack

The Lions have also welcomed back Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the powerhouse prop who started from the bench against Zebre last week. His inclusion in the starting XV adds physicality and stability in the scrums an area where the Lions will need to match Benetton’s gritty forward play.

Flanker JC Pretorius also makes his return from injury, rounding out a mobile and aggressive loose trio that includes captain Francke Horn and Ruan Venter.

A Test Against A Confident Benetton

Benetton come into this clash on a high after edging Glasgow Warriors 16–14 in their last match. The Italians have been quietly consistent this season, combining solid defence with creative attacking play. With just nine points separating the sides in attack and 15 in defence, Saturday’s match promises to be tight and fiercely contested.

The Lions will need to manage the Treviso crowd, maintain discipline, and capitalise on their attacking chances especially with Van den Berg back directing traffic.

Lions Starting XV

15 Quan Horn
14 Eduan Keyter
13 Henco van Wyk
12 Richard Kriel
11 Angelo Davids
10 Chris Smith
9 Morne van den Berg
8 Francke Horn (captain)
7 Ruan Venter
6 JC Pretorius
5 Ruan Delport
4 Etienne Oosthuizen
3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
2 Franco Marais
1 SJ Kotze

Replacements: Morne Brandon, RF Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Darrien Landsberg, Jarod Cairns, Nico Steyn, Sam Francis, Manuel Rass

With key players returning and pride on the line, the Lions will be desperate to leave Italy with more than just lessons they’ll be chasing a much-needed win to revive their URC momentum.

{Source: SABC Sport}

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