Lions vs Stormers XXIII is confirmed for Ellis Park in round seven of the Currie Cup, and this update, published on 24 September 2026, brings the story up to date. Both sides have now named their teams, and the table picture is sharper heading into the weekend. It builds on our original Lions vs Stormers preview from last month.
Ellis Park preview: Lineups confirmed for round seven update
Kick off is at 4:05pm UK time, which is 5:05pm in South Africa, with Sky Sports showing the match live in the UK. The Stormers arrive one point clear of the Lions, sitting on 16 points to the Lions’ 13.
That gap has built over six rounds. The Stormers have won three of their six games, while the Lions have won two and drawn one. Round seven at Ellis Park gives the home side a chance to close the distance.
Currie Cup standings heading into round seven
The Stormers’ 16 points put them just ahead of a Lions side on 13, with both teams’ records shaped by six rounds of Currie Cup rugby. A Lions win at Ellis Park would flip that order. A Stormers win, or even a draw, would stretch the gap further before the competition moves on.
The margins are tight enough that this round matters beyond the two clubs involved. Interest in South African rugby has been high all season, and the Springboks scrum coach speaks out on depth in the domestic game only adds to that picture heading into round seven.
Confirmed team lineups for Lions vs Stormers XXIII
Both the Lions and Stormers XXIII have confirmed their starting fifteens and replacements for Ellis Park. Each head coach has named their squad for what is effectively a table decider between two closely matched sides.
Neither camp has flagged late changes since the teams were announced. For context on the Stormers’ form this season, our coverage of their historic Stormers clash in Cape Town shows how far they have come since the start of the campaign.
What happens next
Kick off remains 4:05pm UK time on Sky Sports, with a 5:05pm start in South Africa. A single point separates these sides before a ball is kicked, so round seven at Ellis Park could reshape the top of the Currie Cup table either way.
Lions fans will want a home win to move above the Stormers on points. A losing bonus point would still help, but nothing changes the fact that this is a straight fight for position with the season now well past its halfway mark.
