Boost as Ruan returns

MIXED FORTUNES: FOUR LIONS STARS, THOUGH, STILL HAVE TO SIT OUT

The Lions have one Springbok back, but are still missing four more ahead of their key Super Rugby match with the Stormers at Ellis Park tomorrow. The biggest news is the return of wing Ruan Combrinck, but captain Warren Whiteley, centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, scrumhalf Ross Cronje and wing Courtnall Skosan must wait longer.

In the only two changes Combrinck replaces Sylvian Mahuza, while at lock Marvin Orie comes in for Andries Ferreira who is being rested.

“I’m very excited about Ruan, back after almost a year, but he trained hard and we had a chance to pick him earlier,” said coach Swys de Bruin, who said this game was crucial before their away leg.

“But knowing him as a professional athlete we waited until he is 100% right in his own head.”

Whiteley’s knee is almost fully healed and he’ll be ready when the Lions jet Down Under on April 17.

“It was really close, I was hoping for this week but everything happens for a reason,” said De Bruin.

“But Hacjivah (Dayimani) did so well against the Crusaders for a first start at No 8, he played really well. He is one for the future and he is under Warren’s mentorship and leadership, so I’m very excited about him.”

De Bruin said he had hoped Cronje would be back, but he has knee and rib injuries and said the rib was worse than the knee.

“But he has been putting his body on the line the last few weeks and he could be out for a while. But we have a bye before the tour so we have a bit of time.

“Rohan has a lame leg and it’s still a bit sensitive, we are just playing it safe there. Courtnall’s recovery is good but it will only be after the tour,” he said.

With legendary golfer Ernie Els known to be a massive Lions fan, the team will be wearing a logo on their shorts in support of the Ernie Els Centre for Autism in SA tomorrow, while both teams will be sporting blue wristbands in support of this good cause.