Dreyer a great asset, says coach
ACKERMANN: HE’S A GOOD BALL-CARRIER AND IS STRONG A few minor injury niggles, but it’s not a problem.
One of the success stories of the Lions’ unbeaten Absa Currie Cup campaign this year has been the rise of burly prop Ruan Dreyer. And even though Lions coach Johan Ackermann prefers not to single out individuals in a team effort, he talks highly of Dreyer’s commitment.
Dreyer, who was born in Carletonville, went to Monument High School in Krugersdorp and turns 25 in nine days’ time, was called up to the Springbok squad in Britain last November, but got no game time.
“We have rotated the props quite well, Ruan started the previous weekend against the Cheetahs and against Western Province a fresh prop in Dylan Smith started alongside Julian Redelinghuys,” said Ackermann.
“But what makes it good for Ruan is that he is a specialist No 3, but he is just as good, if not even better, at No 1. So it’s great for us to have a guy like that on the bench and he is above all, a great team player.”
Dreyer, 113kg and 1.86m, made his Young Lions debut in 2010 and also played for the SA Under-20s, made his Lions senior provincial debut in 2012 and arrived on the Super Rugby scene the same year.
“He is always willing to give his absolute best,” said Ackermann. “He is always willing to play his part and for us he is a great asset, he is a good ball-carrier and very strong in the close-quarters.”
Meanwhile, the Lions announced a few minor injury niggles ahead of naming their squad tomorrow for the Griquas game this weekend.
Lock MB Lusaseni (shoulder, gym limits), centre Howard Mnisi ( hamstring, rehab), centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg (shoulder, rehab) and hooker Mark Pretorius (knee, no contact on Monday) are being managed but all will be up for selection.