Overview
- The Lions are fourth in their Challenge Cup pool on six points, level with third-placed Perpignan, and the top four qualify for the round of 16.
- Springbok prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye is fit to tour and lock Darrien Landsberg returns, while Siba Qoma is out and Ruan Venter serves a four-match suspension.
- Coach Ivan van Rooyen said the team aims to secure progression in France rather than rely on other outcomes, noting cold conditions could shape tactics.
- Even with a defeat, qualification remains possible depending on results involving the Dragons and Lyon in their final pool games.
- After Perpignan on January 17, the Lions visit the Ospreys on January 23 in the URC before a lengthy home stretch at Ellis Park and a tough late tour to Leinster and Munster.