Ackermann unlikely to take a chance with Rohan
DON’T expect any surprises from Johan Ackermann when he names his line-up later this week for Saturday’s all-important final round-robin Super Rugby match against the Sharks in Durban.
Not even the return to fitness of star centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is likely to sway the Lions coach from picking the tried-and-tested from recent weeks.
Ackermann is expected to name a familiar looking side, including Harold Vorster at inside centre and Lionel Mapoe at 13. Janse van Rensburg may get a look-in from the bench, but he may also have to wait a little longer to make his return.
The powerful Janse van Rensburg featured for around 20 minutes for the Golden Lions in their SuperSport Challenge match against Griquas on Sunday, but is believed to be short on match fitness, which may keep him from playing this weekend.
In his absence Vorster has stepped up and also played some sparkling rugby. He was recognised for his efforts with inclusion in the SA “A” team that played two matches against the French Barbarians.
With so much riding on the outcome of Saturday’s trip to Durban – more so if the Hurricanes beat the Crusaders earlier in the day, paving the way for the Lions to end top of the overall log should they beat the Sharks – Ackermann is unlikely to take a chance with Janse van Rensburg.
The Springbok No 12 himself also seems unsure whether he is ready to step up just yet. He was quoted yesterday as saying: “It’s always difficult to come back from a knee injury because you never know how strong it is. But it was good being back on the field and taking that first carry. I’m still a bit rusty and see a lot of room for improvement. I have to work hard to make the knee stronger and get the confidence back.”
The Lions were back on the training ground for the first time in a week yesterday after having a bye last weekend, and Ackermann will hope they are refreshed and rested.
On top of that Ackermann picked his strongest team to face the Sunwolves after the June break, and before their bye. They got close to putting 100 points on the visitors from Japan and while the Sharks will present a far stiffer challenge, the Lions will still travel to Durban as hot favourites.
They have lost just once in 14 games all season – against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires – and edged the inconsistent Sharks 34-29 when they met in Johannesburg on April 1, with a late Elton Jantjies penalty and Jaco Kriel try securing a tight win for the hosts.
So, expect a familiar looking Lions team, with Ruan Ackermann continuing in his role at No 8 in place of the injured Warren Whiteley, with the only toss-up in selection likely to be between Ross Cronje and Faf de Klerk at scrumhalf.