GOOD NEWS, BUT...
SEMI: TWO BOKS RETURN AND TWO BOKS WITHDRAWN
Dyantyi, Whiteley get thumbs up as Marx and Mostert are ruled out.
There was good news and bad news for the Golden Lions yesterday ahead of their Currie Cup semifinal against the Sharks. While the return of No 8 Warren Whiteley and wing Aphiwe Dyantyi were big boosts for tomorrow’s match in Durban, their chances took a blow following the decision to withdraw Springbok lock Franco Mostert and hooker Malcolm Marx
Lions coach Cash van Rooyen said national interests weighed heavier as far as Mostert and Marx were concerned.
“They have both played a lot of rugby, so I think it’s in the best interest of us and the Boks to manage their game time and get them ready for their end-of-the-year tour,” Van Rooyen said. “I think it’s a call for SA Rugby to make, but it’s also in the best interest of everyone, the players included.”
Though Whiteley had returned, it was decided that scrumhalf Nic Groom would retain the captaincy as it was still unclear whether Whiteley would be available for the final if the Lions got that far.
“Nic is captain now in the current team, with Warren there to assist him, and next week we’ll see who is available to play and who is not, if we get past this weekend,” Van Rooyen said.
“For us it was just logical to stick with Nic because Warren might not be available next week.”
Van Rooyen, who believed they had learned their lessons in the wet weather the last time they played the Sharks in Durban, said Whiteley had really boosted the confidence in the side.
“Warren has been training well with us for two weeks now, and it’s nice to have him back.
“As a leader and a human being, it’s priceless for us, just the calmness he will bring and his leadership, so we are really looking forward to having him back with us.”
With Marx unavailable, and Corne Fourie tied up with commitments in Japan after being granted permission to play for an invitational side, young Pieter Jansen was set to start at hooker.
While Whiteley had replaced Hacjivah Dayimani, the other significant change came at right wing where Courtnall Skosan replaced Wandisile Simelane, in a shift from the left wing after the return of Dyantyi.
Meanwhile, the Lions’ Under-19 side are in action at 1pm at Loftus tomorrow in their age group semifinal against the Blue Bulls, while the Lions’ U21s were set to host the Cheetahs at 3pm in their semifinal at Ellis Park.