Lions have to keep the needs of SA Rugby and the Boks in mind

GOLDEN LIONS coach Ivan “Cash” van Rooyen is hoping to get the green light today to pick four key Springbok players for Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final against the Sharks in Durban.

Van Rooyen, who has stood in for regular coach Swys de Bruin during this year’s shortened competition, said yesterday that a call on whether or not he could consider selecting Warren Whiteley, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert and Aphiwe Dyantyi for the trip to Durban would be made today.

“They’ve all been assessed medically and we’ll make a call on Tuesday,” said Van Rooyen. “In the case of Warren and Malcolm, they had injuries, but Franco and Aphiwe were rested last week as we looked to manage them after a heavy load with the Springbok team.”

The Lions, who welcomed back to action last weekend Elton Jantjies and Lionel Mapoe, will hope the quartet are given the thumbs up to play because the Sharks are set to be boosted by the availability, too, of several Bok players for the semi.

“Both teams look set to be significantly stronger than when we last met (mid September), but it’s still going to be a big decision for us to make; do we pick the Bok players, or go with the guys who’ve got us to this point and been part of the squad,” said Van Rooyen. “We also have to keep the bigger picture in mind, and that is the needs of SA Rugby and the Boks.”

Van Rooyen though said that just the availability again of Jantjies and Mapoe made a big difference to the Lions.

“They’re experienced players, who lift the players around them. Elton especially manages our game plan and is heavily involved in the decision-making. Of course it’s nice having him and Lionel back,” said the coach.