Five Lions who must deliver in crunch Cup clash against Newcastle

THE Lions head to England this weekend for their Challenge Cup clash with the Newcastle Red Bulls, a fixture that promises physicality, tough conditions and very little room for error.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

It is also the kind of match where individual performances can shift momentum and set the tone for the rest of the team. The visitors are in desperate need of a victory after losing at home on the opening weekend.

Here are five players who could have a decisive influence on Saturday's clash (7.30pm kickoff) as the Lions chase their first win in the tournament.

Jarod Cairns (loose forward)

Cairns is the type of player a coach leans on in tough away fixtures. His work rate and defensive output are consistent, and he's never shy to dig in when a match becomes a grind. His presence at the breakdown will be crucial in slowing down Newcastle's ball and helping the Lions control the rhythm of the game, especially if the conditions prevent them from playing with their usual fluency. He doesn’t always command headlines, but fixtures like these often reward players who specialise in the hard, unglamorous work.

Haashim Pead (scrumhalf)