With the Ospreys coming out victorious in Johannesburg last time the two teams faced each other, the Emirates Lions will want to right some wrongs as they travel to Swansea in the BKT URC.
The travelling team will be bringing some key players with them to do that, so what better time for Ones to Watch?
Jordan Hendrikse
The fly half has one of the most devastating right boots in rugby. The South African international was (comfortably) bombing kicks through the posts from 70 metres in warm ups when the Ospreys were in Ellis Park.
Jordan made his debut for the Lions at the age of 19 in 2021. His performances in that season were rewarded with nominations for the 2021 Junior Springbok Player of the Year and SA Young Player of the Year awards.
In 2022, the fly half was called-up to the Springboks Sevens squad for the London Sevens and impressed in his time with the Blitzboks. Expect to see some of that sevens influence in his game on Saturday.
Marius Louw
Louw is captain for the Lions but his influence on the game goes beyond leadership. A devastating crash ball centre, Louw has been dispatched as a battering ram for the Lions since joining from the Sharks.
Louw is third in the BKT URC in successful carries, ninth in overall carries and 20th in tries scored with four. The centre is prolific when it comes to breaking the gain line, so Ospreys defenders will have to be fast off the blocks and make the first hit count if they’re to suppress the South African.
Francke Horn
Horn has been a stat standout this season. Tied 10th for successful carries and fourth for clean breaks, the dynamic number eight has been a difference make for the Emirates Lions this season.
Horn is also in 18th for metres gained which is more impressive than it sounds when you consider the lack of forwards above him in the list. Despite being 24, has the all the capabilities of a seasoned number eight, which made him an easy add to this week’s Ones to Watch.