The Lions have received a timely injection of experience and quality, with three of their stars given the all-clear ahead of their Vodacom URC round 2 clash away to Zebre on Sunday.

Regular captain Francke Horn, flyhalf Chris Smith and utility back Eduan Keyter are all back in contention for Sunday’s showdown.

CASH: Crucial errors cost Lions in Cardiff

Assistant coach Jaque Fourie confirmed that the trio, who have been sidelined through injury, are fit and available as the Lions look to bounce back from their disappointing opening-round defeat to Cardiff.

“Francke Horn is fit again, so we’re probably looking at getting him in this week or next weekend,” said Fourie.

“Chris [Smith] is also back and he’s a very important player for us at 10. You need someone to drive your team to play in the right areas, so he’s also looking good for this weekend. Eduan Keyter is also fit again, so hopefully we can give him a run.”

The Lions will need all the firepower they can get against a Zebre side brimming with confidence after beating Edinburgh in round one. Fourie expects nothing less than a fierce contest in Parma.

“Zebre have improved immensely over the last three years. They’re a team that never gives up,” he explained.

“If you look at the game against Edinburgh, they play with a lot of freedom and they played a good game. There are no more easy teams in the URC. Every team you play at their home ground is going to be tough, so you’ve got to rock up 100-percent ready to play and perform.”

Despite criticism following their opening loss and their Currie Cup final disappointment, Fourie insisted the Lions remain aligned and motivated.

“As a team, we have to stick together,” he said.

“Rugby is a very fickle game – when you win, everything is going well, but if you lose, everyone wants your job. We’re all confident in what we need to do and what we need to achieve this season and luckily, everyone in the management group here at the Lions are on the same page. It’s a long competition and there are a few things we need to fix, but we’re not too far off.”

REPORT: Cardiff outmuscle Lions

Kick-off in Parma is at 4pm South African time on Sunday.

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