VIDEO: Lions get Bok boost amid a slew of injuries

The Lions have a mixed bag of news on the injury front – with two key players returning, but several others doubtful.

After they beat Ulster 35-22 last week, the Lions will host Edinburgh at Ellis Park in a Round Three United Rugby Championship outing on Saturday.

They received a timely boost this week.

One-cap Springbok Edwill van der Merwe and talented outside back Richard Kriel have been training with the team and are available for selection this week.

Van der Merwe, 28, has been out since July after suffering an ankle injury playing for the Lions in the Currie Cup – a month after making his Bok debut against Wales at Twickenham, in London.

“They have been training with us for the last week or so and are up for selection [this week],” backline Ricardo Loubscher said.

However, there are also some concerns ahead of the face-off with the Scottish outfit.

Flank Ruan Venter (shoulder injury against Ulster), hooker Morné Brandon (shoulder injury in the Currie Cup Final), prop Morgan Naudé (ankle – against Ulster) and wing Tapiwa Mafura (leg muscle – Ulster) all have question marks over their availability.

“We are waiting for the doctors to give us feedback on those injuries,” Loubscher told @rugby365com, adding: “We’ll take it from there.”

The Lions assistant said they have enough depth to cover for the injuries.

He added that while ‘rotation’ will come into the selection picture later in the season, they are keen to retain the momentum they have built up through the Currie Cup and into last week’s URC season-opening win.

“For now, we will look to select our strongest possible team.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com