With so much at stake for both the Lions and Western Province, Saturday's Top Eight game at Ellis Park could develop into a real humdinger.

The Lions, bolstered by the return of veteran Springbok centre Japie Mulder, know they have some catching up to do in the race for semifinal berths. The visitors are in a strong position after bringing 14 points with them to the Top Eight stage.

The Lions have only nine and if they lose on Saturday, they face a rocky road with away fixtures against potentially tough opponents like Griquas and the Eagles. The Ellis Park game is the main feature on the Currie Cup menu this weekend. There has always been a fierce rivalry between the two teams and Saturday's game promises to be no different.

Lions coach Laurie Mains said on Thursday he was pretty confident Mulder (calf muscle) would take the field. There is also doubt about lock Jannes Labuschagne, who is also battling with a calf muscle injury. Jannie van der Walt and Hannes Strydom are on standby.

Both camps conceded it would be their toughest game thus far. "WP have been playing well and they will be an extremely difficult side to beat," Mains said.

He is aware his team are at a distinct disadvantage at the start of the Top Eight, but the points difference will just spur his side on. "If anything, it will give us more determination to make up the difference. We cannot rely on other teams to beat the Sharks (second on the log with 11 points)."

Mains said the Lions would be ready in case Province start the game with Braam van Straaten instead of Chris Rossouw (pictured) at flyhalf. "Rossouw is a good player and we can see why WP have selected him. But we are prepared for that eventuality as well (if Van Straaten starts)."

As always, the Lions will be looking to their forward pack for dominance. Corne Krige threw the gauntlet down to his pack this week when he said they have to prove they can mix it with the best. The Province pack will have to be just that in order to provide their dangerous backline, with Percy Montgomery, the Rossouw brothers and Breyton Paulse in sublime form, with quality possession.

With so many one-on-one battles and a host of big stars in action, this game should be a memorable one. The Lions are hitting their straps at the moment and at Ellis Park they are difficult customers, but if the Province pack can withstand the might of the home eight and their defence holds up, Cape Town can prepare for a big party on Saturday night.

Teams for Ellis Park:

Lions: Thinus Delport; Chester Williams, Grant Esterhuizen, Japie Mulder or Jannie van der Walt, Conrad Jantjies; Louis Koen, Werner Swanepoel; Andre Vos (capt), Piet Krause, Rassie Erasmus, Jannes Labuschagne or Hannes Strydom, Johan Ackermann, Willie Meyer, Leon Boshoff, Nic Moore. Substitutes: Delarey du Preez, Marius Mostert, Russel Winter, Brett Johnstone, Hennie le Roux, Pat Marran, Jannie van der Walt or Dean Hall.

Western Province: Percy Montgomery; Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, De Wet Barry, Pieter Rossouw; Chris Rossouw, Dan van Zyl; Adri Badenhorst, Hendrik Gerber, Corne Krige, Hottie Louw, Quinton Davids, Robbie Kempson, Charl Marais, Toks van der Linde. Substitutes: Peter Dixon, Faan Rautenbach, Thys Stoltz, Robbie Brink, Neil de Kock, Braam van Straaten, Jeffrey Stevens.

Referee: Andre Watson

Kick-off: 5.05pm

Email this story to a friend