Zebre vs Lions Preview & Tips - Hosts set for victory

Zebre and the Lions have never previously met.

In the 2020/21 season of the Pro14, Zebre finished bottom of the table with four wins from their 16 matches. While the competition has changed this season, the same sides remain with the addition of four South African franchises.

Since the conclusion of the Pro14, Zebre have played in the Rainbow Cup. This didn’t go well either as they lost their last five matches.

After a narrow 34-27 defeat to local rivals Benetton, Zebre lost 37-12 at Cardiff Blues before going down 54-11 at home to Munster in their last match.

Zebre are close to full strength with captain Giulio Bisengni starting at outside centre. They have selected two vice captains in the form of Tommaso Boni and David Sisi.

Two young forwards will make their debut off the bench in Ion Neculai and Andrea Zambonin.

The Lions finished bottom of the recently completely Currie Cup. They only managed two victories in their 12 matches, although two were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Over the course of their final three matches, the Lions lost 48-21 at home to the Bulls, 35-13 at Western Province and 56-14 at home to the Sharks.

This is the Lions first foray into European rugby as they leave behind the old Super Rugby competition, just like the other three South African sides.

Ivan van Rooyen has named a full strength lineup for this clash. Players to watch include outside centre, Wandisile Simelane, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and flanker Jaco Kriel.

A player European sides will be familiar with is winger Rabz Maxwane. A couple of seasons ago he was the Pro14 top try scorer when he turned out for the Free State Cheetahs.