Dyantyi blow for Lions
INJURED: LIONS LOSE DYANTYI FOR UP TO SIX WEEKS
The Lions are not only without electrifying young winger Aphiwe Dyantyi for Sunday’s big Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders at Ellis Park, he is probably out of the away leg, too.
Dyantyi has an injured pectoral muscle (chest) picked up in last weekend’s 49-35 defeat to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires and will be out for up to six weeks.
After Sunday’s replay of last year’s final, the Lions host the Stormers the following weekend, then have a bye before their tour starts on April 20 against the Waratahs in Sydney.
For this weekend’s fixture, coach Swys de Bruin could bring in Madosh Tambwe, or move Rohan Janse van Rensburg or Lionel Mapoe out to the wing and bring Harold Vorster back into the starting midfield.
Another midfield option is Howard Mnisi, who came off the bench last weekend, but sustained a bruised knee. According to the Lions medical team, he should be available for selection.
The Lions will be boosted with the return from injury of scrumhalf Ross Cronje, lock Andries Ferreira and prop Jacobie Adriaanse, who all missed the trip to Buenos Aires.
De Bruin might also reconsider his back row options as Kwagga Smith didn’t exactly looked comfortable at No 8 against the Jaguares last weekend.
Inspirational Lions skipper and No 8 Warren Whiteley could be ready for their away leg after picking up a knee injury against the Blues at Ellis Park almost three weeks ago.
Initially, it was said Whiteley will be out “for up to four weeks” which means he could even return for next week’s game against the Stormers.
But with the Springboks’ June international series against England around the corner, the Lions probably won’t gamble with him just yet.