Lions missing two key players for Ulster clash

INJURY UPDATE: Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg will not feature for the Lions in their United Rugby Championship clash with Ulster at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The nuggety No.9 suffered a hamstring injury against Benetton a fortnight ago after only ten minutes on the field and missed the game against Scarlets at Ellis Park last weekend.

He is set to depart with the Springboks on their end-of-year tour this weekend.

The Lions suffered another blow when flanker JC Pretorius limped off against the Welsh at Ellis Park last weekend. Medical staff confirmed on Tuesday morning that he could be out for close to four months.

According to the Lions’ Kicking Consultant, Morne Steyn, Van den Berg will not be considered for the Ulster clash.

Nico Steyn started against Scarlets last Saturday with Layton Horn his deputy, while Junior Springbok Hashim Pead was in action for the Lions’ Under 21 side.

It is expected that Pead will likely feature against Ulster in the absence of Van den Berg on Saturday.

“Morne is still struggling with the injury, so we don’t want to risk him this weekend,” Steyn confirmed on Tuesday.

“We are very excited for Krappie [van den Berg] that he is with the Springboks again. He is almost ready to play, but we don’t want to force him for this game coming up.

“We don’t want to risk him, and maybe force him out of the Bok tour,” the former Bok flyhalf stated.

Commenting on the loss of Pretorius, Steyn said it was a huge loss as the former BlitzBok is one of the stars in the Lions squad.

“It’s sad to lose JC; he will be out for four months, so it’s not looking good with all the injuries. He is one of our top players, and we are really going to miss him.

“He injured his knee after coming back a while ago because of the knee, and now he injured it again.”