Lions injured duo expected back soon

GOOD news for Lions fans and the Springbok is that Warren Whiteley and Malcolm Marx will both return to action next weekend after spending time on the sidelines recently.

While neither will play for the Springboks this June the duo are set to feature in the latter stages of the Super Rugby competition and come into consideration for the Boks for the Rugby Championship in two months’ time.

Whiteley has been out for several months with a grade one strain of his pectoral cruciate ligaments in his knee, while Marx suffered a hamstring tendon tear at the beginning of May.

Both men are expected to return to the playing field next week, with Lions team doctor Rob Collins saying yesterday they will feature for some time in the SuperSport Rugby Challenge competition.

“The plan is to have them both playing next week,” said Collins. “Malcolm’s was obviously a much shorter term injury and he is now doing controlled contact which will go to full contact next week.

“Warren is already doing full-contact drills and he and Malcolm will get 20 to 30 minutes next week.”

The Lions’ next Super Rugby game is on Saturday, June 30, against the Sharks in Durban, and that’s followed by a clash against the Bulls.

Meanwhile another Lions Bok, Courtnall Skosan, who hasn’t featured at all for his Super Rugby team this year, returns to action this weekend in the SuperSport Challenge game against the Valke today. “It’s his first game back after a long layoff so we’ll ease him back into action, and ensure he’s ready for that game against the Sharks,” said Collins.

Super Rugby stars Cyle Brink (pinched nerve) and Lionel Mapoe (sportsman’s groin), will also be back for the match against the Sharks.