Bok boost for the Lions
FIT NOW: WHITLEY AND MARX RETURN FROM INJURY
Other boks also return to the fold for Super Rugby action this weekend.
Described by Lions coach Swys de Bruin as a big boost for the business-end of their Super Rugby campaign, the return to fitness of two of his Springbok stars – No 8 and captain Warren Whiteley and hooker Malcolm Marx – couldn’t have been better timed.
Both featured for the Lions in their SuperSport Challenge 47-29 win over the Blue Bulls at the Bill Jardine Stadium, Randburg, last Sunday, while there were also returns for wing Courtnal Skosan, flank Cyle Brink and Ruan Combrinck at fullback.
“I’m obviously very happy with their return but also the other guys, and I thought a guy like Commies (Combrinck) was excellent,” said De Bruin yesterday.
They will all be in the selection mix as the SA Conference-leading Lions return to Super Rugby action this weekend in Durban against the Sharks.
De Bruin gave the team off yesterday because they were in action on Sunday, while he returned from Cape Town along with Boks lock Franco Mostert, wing Aphiwe Dyantyi, flyhalf Elton Jantjies and lock Marvin Orie.
“It was an incredible experience to have been involved with the Boks (as attacking consultant), it was simply an outstanding few weeks with the squad, which I thoroughly enjoyed,” said De Bruin.
He also said he doesn’t believe Jantjies’ confidence took a knock in last weekend’s England Test.
“In five years I’ve never subbed Elton, while it must be remembered that conditions were very tough and he never got any frontfoot ball,” said De Bruin.
He added he doesn’t view it as a big problem to choose between Dyantyi and Skosan.
“We work with a squad system so I don’t see it in that light.
“From the start we knew the Sharks in Durban were always going to be a tough ask,” he said.
De Bruin said he hasn’t yet decided whether to rest Mostert and Dyantyi, who played in all three Tests.
“We will sit down with each guy on Tuesday (today) and discuss it individually and then make a call.
“We have a campaign to run and while we are 12 points ahead of the nearest SA team, we also realise that the Jaguares are just six points behind us,” he said.