Ruan back later than expected
WINGER: COMBRINCK TO ONLY RETURN NEXT MONTH
Mnisi injury paves way for Vorster to return to the Lions’ starting line-up against Waratahs.
Lions fans who are anxiously awaiting the return of explosive Springbok wing Ruan Combrinck will have to exercise their patience a tad bit longer.
Head coach Johan Ackermann confirmed that Combrinck’s return probably won’t happen until the home match against the Sharks on April 1 or the away game against the Stormers on April 15 with the team enjoying a bye on the weekend of April 8.
Combrinck wasn’t named in the enlarged Bok squad announced earlier this week because he is still recovering from a shoulder operation he had late last year.
“Ruan’s target to return to the frame is however only the first or second week in April,” Ackermann confirmed.
That means he will at least still miss the next four matches against the Waratahs at home this weekend, the Jaguares away, the Reds at home and the Kings away.
That means Ackermann will still rotate between Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Lionel Mapoe at the centre and right wing, while Harold Vorster will come back into the starting line-up after replacing the injured Howard Mnisi against the Cheetahs last weekend.
Apart from Vorster, the name of Jacques Nel could also be added to the mix, while wingers Anthony Volmink and Madosh Tambwe are also knocking on the door.
“Jacques has had a very good pre-season, while Ruan had an exceptional Super Rugby campaign last year
“So there’s a few big names that’s not there, but it’s a new season and every player has to get back into that form,” he said.
Ackermann also admitted that it is great to see Vorster back, who scored a great try in 2015 when the Lions beat the Waratahs 2722, the last time they played one another at Ellis Park.
“Once Ruan is back we will have an extra selection headache on that rightwing side as well as at centre,” said Ackermann
“But it’s good for everyone fighting for positions, while we have also seen Harold back after a disappointing injury last season.’’
Despite going down to the Crusaders last weekend the Brumbies looked impressive, while the Sharks will rue their inability to close out their game against the Reds. The Sharks require more direction from Pat Lambie and Cobus Reinach.
Prediction: Brumbies by 4-6. Singapore, Sunwolves v Kings, 12.55pm:
Very much the battle of the minnows, but the Kings showed a lot of fight against the Jaguares, while the Sunwolves had to rely on three late tries but suffered a terrible beating against the Hurricanes.
Prediction: The Kings could fancy their chances, but do they believe?