Lions banking on the 'real' Muller

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann believes lock Martin Muller will finally play to his true potential in the weeks to come.

The 26-year-old Muller, who will start at lock in place of the injured Luvuyiso Lusaseni (knee) in a Currie Cup outing against the Pumas at Ellis Park on Friday, has finally put his own injury woes behind him.

And, according to Ackermann, the real Muller will come to the fore as the South Africa's premier domestic competition heads towards the home straight – ahead of the play-offs next month.

"It is a pity about MB [Luvuyiso Lusaseni]," Ackermann told rugby365, when asked about the talented young lock that suffered an injury while helping the Lions to an impressive win over the table-topping Western Province last week.

"He has shown remarkable growth through Super Rugby and the Currie Cup," Ackermann said of Lusaseni.

"However, this is now an opportunity for Martin Muller. We have a lot of faith in Martin and I am confident that he has made a full recovery from all his injuries and with the additional game time people will start seeing his full potential."

Muller, who suffered a serious groin injury at the beginning of 2013, was initially going to join Welsh team Newport Gwent Dragons, but the deal fell through and he linked up with the Lions.

However, the groin injury continued to hamper him.

"He struggled for a long time with his rehabilitation and then picked up an infection," Ackermann told rugby365.

"It was a frustrating time for him, because he couldn't play to his full potential as a result of the pain he had to endure.

"We have resolved all the issues in the last few months and he is now finally pain free.

"That is why, the last two games when he came off the bench, he made such a big difference for us.

"Now, with more game time – although at the expense of MB [Luvuyiso Lusaseni] – the people will see the real Martin Muller."

The Lions mentor said he felt Mulled – when he played for Griquas and the Cheetahs from 2010 till last year – was outstanding.

Asked about the former UCT Varsity Cup star's best attributes Ackermann said he has a big "carry" (taking the ball up) and defensively he is great.

"Traditionally he was a line-out organiser and he also brings that [to the game].

"He can certainly help Franco [Mostert] in the line-outs. If we, at some stage, need to give Franco a break, then Martin can run the line-outs for us.

"I am confident he will bring a lot of strong elements to the table."

By Jan de Koning