Ackermann faces selection posers
Lions coach Johan Ackermann and his fellow selectors will have a few tough decisions to make this week.
Top of their list will be what to do with Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies, now that the pivot has been "medically cleared" to resume playing.
However, Ackermann told this website – in an interview ahead of their trip to Durban for an encounter with the high-flying Sharks – that flyhalf is not his only concern.
There are no serious injuries.
Flank Jaco Kriel took a battering in the 17-25 loss to the Bulls last Saturday and for a few days can't take contact. Ackermann said "he will be fine".
Centre Alwyn Hollenbach will have to pass a fitness test, following the injury he sustained against the Stormers in Week Two – which ruled him out of the encounter with the Bulls last week.
"The entire 33-man Super Rugby group are training together and we have some tough calls to make around a number of positions," Ackermann told this website, when asked about a possible comeback for Jantjies.
"We may consider to start rotating [some players] and things like that," the Lions mentor said.
"It has not stopped raining since Saturday and we couldn't do much on Monday.
"We will start making those calls after we had a proper training session."
The coach said all the players, including Jantjies, are being considered for this week.
"Anthony Volmink, Deon Helberg [are] also [in the mix – the entire 33-man group is together at this stage.
"He [Jantjies] has been cleared medically and is available.
"We have to make a call on whether we want him to play another Vodacom Cup match, play him off the bench or what we want to do."
Ackermann will name the team, to take on the Sharks, on Thursday, but those selection calls are likely to be made and announced to the team before then.
By Jan de Koning
