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Lions face baptism of fire in Champions Cup debut

The Lions will have to defy the odds to make a winning start to their Investec Champions Cup campaign when they face French heavyweights La Rochelle on Saturday. Their historic debut in Europe’s premier club competition comes with one of…

KEO

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 3:00 PM

Key Things to Know

The Lions will make their Investec Champions Cup debut against French side La Rochelle on Saturday.
Pundit Keo predicted on the Keo & Zels Show that the Lions will not defeat La Rochelle away.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen may rotate his squad during a three-week tour featuring two URC matches.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Lions are set to make their Investec Champions Cup debut against French club La Rochelle on Saturday. Speaking on the Keo & Zels Show, pundit Keo predicted the Johannesburg side will not win in France, pointing to a grueling three-week tour that includes two subsequent United Rugby Championship away fixtures.

Co-host Zels suggested the Lions could challenge for a losing bonus point if La Rochelle rotate players ahead of a domestic clash with Bordeaux. Meanwhile, Keo argued that the Lions' best chance for a major upset comes in round two when they host Toulouse at Ellis Park.

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Lions face baptism of fire in Champions Cup debut

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