Green is a Bok in waiting
CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Tyrone Green is continuing to make waves in the South African game and it surely won’t be too long before he finds himself in a Springbok jersey.
The 21-year-old Lions outside back was one of the breakthrough stars in this year’s Super Rugby tournament with his raw pace and power out wide.
Green has continued that form into the Currie Cup with two tries in two matches so far, which included a sensational late solo effort in his team’s 30-28 victory over Western Province in Cape Town last weekend.
“Tyrone has been with the Lions for a long time,” said Golden Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen. “He was schooled here, he played Craven Week and he also played for the Lions’ Under-19 and Under-21 sides.
“He is a typical Lions man. He works hard, he is quiet, and he has a good work ethic.
“He is a guy who tries things in training, so he has the confidence to back himself and that is good for the team.”
Van Rooyen added: “He [Green] is growing and he is exploring and he is not afraid to make mistakes. He is not afraid to take responsibility, so he is very exciting.”
Tyrone Green’s individual brilliance was one of the standout tries in this weekend’s #CurrieCup action, setting up a late victory for the @LionsRugbyCo against @WP_RUGBY at Newlands!pic.twitter.com/7QbyfCBoH7
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) July 29, 2019
Meanwhile, the Golden Lions are preparing for their big Currie Cup Round Four clash against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Van Rooyen has only made one change to his team with Wilhelm van der Sluys replacing Marvin Orie in the second row.
The Lions are also still without Cyle Brink (broken hand) and Courtnall Skosan (knee)
“We are in a race for time, so anything for between four to six weeks they might be back depending on how we go in the season,” said Van Rooyen.
On Warren Whiteley, Van Rooyen was not ready to commit to a date for the No.8’s return.
Whiteley, who is on a strict rehabilitation programme after a knee procedure earlier this year, said he hoped to return to the playing field against the Blue Bulls on August 10
“He [Whiteley] is progressing nicely – he might join us this weekend in Bloem just to be a part of the experience. At this stage, it is a day-to-day and week-to-week thing.
“I can’t commit to saying he will play [soon] or won’t play. We will see by Friday and then again on Monday.” Van Rooyen added.
