BlitzBok boost for Lions?
The Golden Lions, already boasting one of the most impressive lose forward combinations in the Currie Cup competition, may receive a further boost this week.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann, speaking to rugby365 ahead of his team's semifinal showdown with the defending champion Sharks in Johannesburg on Saturday, confirmed that Sevens Springbok Albertus Smith could come into the selection mix.
The return from 15-man international duty by Warren Whiteley last week meant they could field their first-choice loose forward combination in Jaco Kriel, Derick Minnie and Whiteley in the impressive demolition of the Free State Cheetahs.
It was a game that saw them bring another couple of impressive loose forwards – Willie Britz and Warwick Tecklenburg – off the bench.
The arrival of Smith from the Gold Coast – where he helped the BlitzBokke to fourth-placed finish – will certainly provide Ackermann with a 'pleasant' headache.
That is not the only good news.
Star fullback Andries Coetzee could also be available.
"Andries [Coetzee] started training with us today [Monday], so we have to see how his groin injury has recovered," Ackermann told rugby365.
"He hasn't done any kicking yet," the coach said, adding: "Kwagga [Albertus Smith] only arrives back from the [Gold Coast] Sevens today [Monday].
"We have to see how he recovers from the flight," the coach said, adding that he won't make a final call before Thursday's team announcement.
"Andries [Coetzee] faces a fitness test and we will see how Kwagga [Smith] recovers from the travel [back from the Gold Coast]."
Ackermann said his team came through the 47-7 win over the Free State Cheetahs without any serious injuries.
"Any issues are no more than bumps and bruises. Some players will miss a day or two of training and some contact sessions, but all the players that featured at the weekend will be available [for the semifinal showdown with the Sharks]."
It means the Lions will have the luxury of continuity going into the play-offs.
"Two aspects that were important to us were the result and we ticked that box. The other aspect was injuries and we came through that as well.
"Apart from a few injuries earlier in the season, such as Stokkies [Nicolaas Hanekom] and MB [Luvuyiso Lusaseni], we will be able to take some great continuity into [the semifinal] this weekend."
By Jan de Koning
