Lions kick off!

Kwagga Smith plays his 50th Super Rugby game today.

Today's match at Ellis Park stadium is between the Lions who are on 35 points and the Hurricanes are on 44 points. The Hurricanes are second in the New Zealand conference and the only team in the combined tournament with more points are the Crusaders who are on 58 points. The Lions have had a less successful Super Rugby campaign this year then in the last few years as they are third in the South African conference. Today's match should be a good fight between these two teams. My name is Ted Barber and I will be giving you live updates.

Stephan Lewies had to withdraw from the team due to a knee injury sustained at training on Thursday. Reinhard Nothnagel comes into the starting line up at no. 4 with Hacjivah Dayimani comming on to the bench at no. 19