Shaky Lions have it all to do at Newlands

With the Golden Lions’ Currie Cup fortunes taking a dip in recent weeks, they have a mountain to climb against Western Province at Newlands tonight.

Stranded on second from bottom, the Lions face an uphill battle to get back in striking distance with the Sharks opening an 11-point gap at the top between them and the sixth-placed Lions.

However, a wounded Lion is a dangerous beast.

Coach Swys de Bruin has named a new captain in prop Jacques van Rooyen (right) to replace the injured No 8 Ryan Kankowski, but Van Rooyen will pack down in the unfamiliar position of tighthead.

However, Van Rooyen and the return of other Super Rugby stars like centre Harold Vorster and lock Andries Ferreira will add much experience and confidence.

There is also the weather factor which could come into play with wet and windy conditions, which could make the kicking contest a crucial part of the game.

Province have recovered well after earlier losses to the Cheetahs and Griquas to run the Blue Bulls off their feet in the first half last weekend, but then were starved of quality ball.

At flyhalf, Jaco van der Walt displayed some excellent touches for the Lions last weekend, but it will depend greatly how the inexperienced but talented scrumhalf Marco Janse van Vuuren copes in his first starting berth after Dillon Smit’s ankle injury.

Kick-off: 7pm.