Returning scrumhalf Werner Swanepoel has vowed that the Lions will give their all when they meet Western Province in a Currie Cup Super Eight fixture in Cape Town on Saturday.

Swanepoel, who has recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the game for a week, admitted that Western Province were the form side going into the match but said the Lions would," give it horns".

Lions coach Frans Ludeke said his team ware aiming for a home semifinal berth. Both WP and the Lions teams are well placed to make the semifinals after an impressive showing in the opening phase of the competition but Saturday's match could go a long way to ensuring a home semifinal - a point Ludeke was quick to
emphasise.

"I think 12 points would see us reach the semifinal but we are looking ahead at a home semi," said Ludeke.

"That does not mean we are being arrogant," he added.

Ludeke said there was concern over the fitness of Springbok centre Japie Mulder, who strained a buttock muscle in training.

The new Cats coach said that should Mulder fail a Thursday fitness test, outside centre Gcobani Bobo would move to the inside allowing Grant Esterhuizen a chance to stake his claim to the No 13 jersey, with Jannie van der Walt moving onto the bench.

Ludeke said he was excited at the prospect of watching young tearaway Bok flank Joe van Niekerk in action against the likes of Bob Skinstad and Corne Krige.

"Joe kept Corne out of the Springbok frame for a while and it will be a big test for him come Saturday," said Ludeke.

Teams:

Western Province:

Percy Montgomery, Breyton Paulse, Gus Theron, Braam van Straaten, Pieter Rossouw, Chris Rossouw, Neil de Kock, Bob Skinstad, Hendrik Gerber, Corne Krige (capt), Hottie Louw, Quinton Davids, Cobus Visagie, Charl Marais, Toks van der Linde. Substitutes: Pieter Dixon, Faan Rautenbach, Thys Stoltz, Adri Badenhorst, Johannes Conradie, Werner Greeff, De Wet Barry.

Lions:

Conrad Jantjes, Thinus Delport, Gcobani Bobo, Japie Mulder, Dean Hall, Louis Koen, Werner Swanepoel, Russel Winter, Piet Krause, Joe van Niekerk, Jannes Labuschagne (capt), Johan Ackermann, Willie Meyer, Leon Boshoff, Heinrich Kok. Substitutes: Delarey du Preez, Lawrence Sephaka, Kleinjan Tromp, Wikus van Heerden, Bennie Nortje, Clinton van Rensburg, Grant Esterhuizen.