The Lions could be without two key men for Saturday’s Jukskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in round three of the URC.
Utility back Erich Cronjé is awaiting the all-clear after leaving the Ellis Park win over the Ospreys last week with a tight hamstring, while centre Henco van Wyk is still being monitored after missing the match through concussion.
Cronjé played with discomfort, according to Lions assistant coach Julian Redelinghuys, before being replaced after 61 minutes as a precaution.
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Addressing the media this week, Rededinghuys said the 29-year-old will not be rushed, particularly with a European tour following the derby.
“I’m not sure if he’ll be ready in time to play this weekend or next weekend,” he told the media. “There are therefore a few big decisions that we have to make, but we know there are other men in the group who can fill that position.”
The third-placed Pride beat the Ospreys 35-19 to maintain their unbeaten start to the URC campaign, while the Bulls returned from Munster with a losing bonus point after a 26-22 defeat. The Pretoria-based club are seventh in the standings.
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The Lions used their scrum effectively against the Ospreys, but Redelinghuys expects a different contest against the Herd.
“These are two proud packs of forwards,” the former Springbok prop said. “When you play against a South African team, you can be sure that the levels of intensity will be higher, especially in the set-pieces.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Lions sweat on backline duo appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Lions could be without two key men for Saturday’s Jukskei derby against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in round three of the URC.
The post Lions sweat on backline duo appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
