Janse van Rensburg may have to wait a bit longer to make his comeback
JOHANNESBURG: 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 team, including Harold Vorster at inside centre and Lionel Mapoe at No 13.
Janse van Rensburg may get a look-in on the bench, but he may also have to wait a little longer to make his return to Super Rugby action.
The burly and powerful Janse van Rensburg featured for around 20 minutes for the Golden Lions in their SuperSport Rugby Challenge match against Griquas on Sunday, but is believed to be short on match fitness and sharpness, which may keep him from turning out for Ackermann’s men this weekend.
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 finish top of the overall log should they beat the Sharks – Ackermann is unlikely to take a chance with Janse van Rensburg.
The Lions were back on the training ground for the first time in a week yesterday after having a bye last weekend. Ackermann will hope they are refreshed and rested after an arduous build-up to the business end of Super Rugby where several players turned out for the Springboks and SA A in June.
On top of that, Ackermann picked his strongest team to face the Sunwolves after the June break. They got close to putting 100 points on the visitors from Japan and while the Sharks will present a far stiffer challenge than the Sunwolves, the Lions will still travel to Durban this week as favourites.
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.