Fringe players’ time to shine
SQUAD: LIONS PLACES UP FOR GRABS IN BUENOS AIRES Coach Ackermann confident lesser lights can fill the void left by big-name players who have stayed at home.
The Lions could hand starting berths to centre Jacques Nel and flyhalf Shaun Reynolds for this weekend’s Super Rugby clash against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
Reynolds is set to replace Elton Jantjies at flyhalf, while Nel could partner Harold Vorster in midfield who will be moved to inside centre in the place of Rohan Janse van Rensburg.
Coach Johan Ackermann said from Buenos Aires yesterday that while there are other flyhalf options like Andries Coetzee and Jaco van der Walt, they are working with a squad system.
“Jacques and Shaun worked extremely hard in the off-season and waited patiently for their opportunity to arrive,” said Ackermann.
“We believe they will grab their opportunity and enjoy the chance.”
While the experience of Jantjies and Janse van Rensburg will be heavily missed, Ackermann believes they are just waiting for that one chance to show what they have.
“Obviously they have other strong abilities and we trust they will just go out there and express themselves,” Ackermann said.
He also has no doubt that the new midfield combination of Vorster and Nel will work well as they have played together in the past.
“Harold and Jacques played together as juniors,” said Ackermann. “We have to trust the entire group and Harold has been out for a long time and we trust the more he plays, the quicker he will regain that top form.”
In the other changes Sylvian Mahuza could replace Lionel Mapoe on the right wing, while lock Lourens Erasmus could replace Franco Mostert with Marvin Orie expected to make his debut from the bench.
With Jantjies, Janse van Rensburg, Mostert and Mapoe staying at home for personal reasons and rehabilitation, the Lions back-up strength and depth will be put to the test.
The Lions team will be announced today.
The kick-off time has also been confirmed as 9.40pm and not 11.40pm.