Lions get some big names back after weekend mauling
INJURY UPDATE: The Johannesburg-based Lions received a timely boost, just days after they were mauled by the British and Irish Lions.
The touring Lions swept aside the Johannesburg-based Lions 56-14 in the first match of their South African tour at Ellis Park at the weekend.
The cost to the hosts came also in the form of injuries to key players.
Star loose forward Vincent Tshituka injured his shoulder while going over for a try in the 34th minute.
Tshituka will undergo a scan to determine his availability for the Round Three Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks in Durban this coming Saturday.
Versatile backline star Tiaan Swanepoel, who has been sidelined with a fractured right fibula he suffered in his team’s 9-24 defeat to the Bulls in a Rainbow Cup at Loftus Versfeld early in May, is expected to be back in three weeks.
The 24-year-old, who can play fullback and flyhalf, will add some much-needed bunch to the Lions’ deprived attack.
Scrumhalf Andre Warner is set to return for this week’s trip to Durban, the place where he suffered a fractured cheekbone during the 21-33 loss to the Sharks in May.
The Lions will be further boosted by the return of key players like Springbok Jaco Kriel, MJ Pelser and Stean Pienaar will be available this week.
Kriel, 31, had undergone ankle surgery and it has been a long road back to full fitness.
His experience of 150-odd first-class games and 11 Springbok Tests will come in handy against the powerful Sharks team on Saturday.
Sigma Lions Injury Report
Vincent Tshituka: To have a scan on shoulder
Tiaan Swanepoel: Recovery on track; expected back in 3 weeks
Andre Warner: Progressing well from facial injury & should be available this weekADVERTISEMENTCleared to play:
MJ Pelser
Jaco Kriel
Stean Pienaar#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/76ZCZw2ito— Sigma Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 5, 2021
