Search is on for new Lions faces
REDELINGHUYS, TECKLENBURG LEAVE HUGE VOID Ackermann insists he trusts his young players to step up.
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Two of the biggest challenges facing the Lions in this year’s Super Rugby competition are to find replacements for prop Julian Redelinghuys and flank Warwick Tecklenburg.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann admitted it’s an ongoing process and hopefully he will get a clearer picture after this weekend’s final warm-up game against the Stormers at Newlands.
Redelinghuys’ neck injury has ruled him out of the competition, while Tecklenburg’s retirement has robbed the Lions of two of their most experienced campaigners since 2013.
“Not just on the field, which is there for all to see, but I’m actually looking at every training session to see which player is going to take up Warwick’s role, But also what player is going to take up Julian’s role,” said Ackermann.
Last weekend against the SupaBaabaas XV, Ackermann had an opportunity to look at Johannes Jonker, on loan from the Border Bulldogs, as well as Sti Sithole and Hencus van Wyk.
In the first warm-up game against the Bulls in Harare, Pieter Scholtz got his opportunity, while Ruan Dreyer will probably fill the role this weekend at Newlands.
“Those were two players who weren’t just leaders on the field but also off the field. Just the way they have conducted themselves... the manner in which they motivated the side.
“We trust the young players who have been in the system and it’s a big opportunity for somebody to stick up their hand,” said Ackermann.
Tecklenburg’s vacancy could be filled by Ruan Ackermann who will get his opportunity this weekend, Cyle Brink got his chance last weekend, Jano Venter and Victor Sekekete were trialled in Harare.
The Lions are holding a short camp in Secunda before naming their 28-man squad tomorrow.