Whiteley could be back for Lions

The return of Springbok No 8 Warren Whiteley (right) could be just what the doctor ordered for the Golden Lions, in order to keep their Currie Cup title hopes alive.

The Lions were due to play their final fixture ahead of the play-offs against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday night – a game they need to win in order to qualify for the semifinals of the competition.

Whiteley missed the Springbok clash against the All Blacks on Saturday due to a groin strain, and national coach Rassie Erasmus suggested he needed to get some game time in the Currie Cup to be considered for the end-ofyear tour to Europe, despite being a contracted player.

The Bok squad was expected to be named either shortly before or after the Currie Cup final on October 27, with the first game of their November safari scheduled for November 3 against England at Twickenham.

Whiteley was joined at the Lions camp yesterday by fellow Boks such as wing Aphiwe Dyantyi, scrumhalf Ross Cronje, flyhalf Elton Jantjies, hooker Malcolm Marx and lock Franco Mostert, though it was likely only Whiteley, Dyantyi and Cronje would be considered for the Pumas game.

The unbeaten Western Province side were leading the pack with 25 points, followed by the Sharks on 21, the Blue Bulls on 17, the Golden Lions on 16 and the Pumas on 12, with all five sides still in the running for the famous trophy.

The Griquas, holding eight points, and the Cheetahs, with just two, were out of contention.

The other two matches on Saturday are also key clashes, with Griquas hosting the Sharks and the Blue Bulls welcoming Province, but a third-place finish for the Lions and fourth spot for the Bulls seemed like the most likely scenario.

Western Province and the Sharks were the favourites to host the semifinals, with Province regarded as the clear-cut favourites to retain the trophy they won in Durban last year.