Lions have work to do ahead of new season
The Lions are about to unveil their Super Rugby squad in the knowledge they still need to plug a few holes in their pack.
The Lions‚ who have been hit by defections and injury‚ especially in their pack‚ will soon be boosted by the addition of a lock‚ while they may also swoop on a blindside flank.
They are set to sign a foreignbased South African lock to help avoid a potential crisis once the competition gets under way next week.
Last year they lost Franco Mostert amid much acrimony to Gloucester‚ while injury has put paid to Lourens Erasmus’ chances of playing in the competition this season.
Erasmus‚ who has a fractured tibia and fibula‚ as well as an ankle injury‚ is only expected to return to fitness in June or July.
He would have been sidelined for around nine months by the time he returns.
Cyle Brink’s continued convalescence has left a huge gap in the Lions’ backrow, and although he is expected to return in the second or the third round of matches‚ Swys de Bruin’s team needs back-up.
Brink yielded to a long-term knee injury in the buildup to the Springboks’ Test against Argentina last year‚ and the Lions need to find a like-for-like replacement for the barrel chested backrower.
Last week they handed Hacjivah Dayimani the number seven jersey and, although he brings dynamism to the position‚ he doesn’t remove doors from their hinges in the way Brink is often called on to do.
Dayimani is quick of hands‚ feet and mind but he really is best suited to number eight. He is not a battering ram.
The Lions start their Super Rugby campaign away from home next week when they clash with the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.