Lions play 'waiting game' for injured star

INJURY UPDATE: The Lions are playing a waiting game, as they step up preparations for their Currie Cup encounter with the Cheetahs at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based out fit is still waiting for news on star flank Vincent Tshituka.

Tshituka underwent a scan on the shoulder he injured in the loss to the British and Irish Lions just over a week ago.

The Lions said in a statement on Monday they are still waiting on the medical report.

“The rest of the team is available for selection this week,” the statement said.

The Johannesburg-based Lions have not played since their 14-56 loss to the B&I Lions in the first match of the touring team’s trip to South African at Ellis Park on July 3.

Their scheduled Curie Cup Round Three match against the Sharks this past weekend was cancelled – as the Sharks played a second match against the B&I Lions, after the Bulls were unable to fulfil their tour fixture.

A decision on the points allocation between the Sharks and local Lions is still to be confirmed.

(Continue below …)

#ICYMI: The British & Irish Lions will play back-to-back matches against the Sharks. https://t.co/VKxnGSOOSu

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) July 9, 2021

* Meanwhile 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 two 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 home game.

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.