MTN Lions injury situation looking up as Super kick-off draws nearer

February 3 – The injury situation in the MTN Lions camp is not as bleak as portrayed in the media and a number of the injured players could be available for the Lions’ first Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Toyota Cheetahs on February 25.

At the back, Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies (broken hand) has been training without making contact. And of course, with an injured hand his kicking practice has not really suffered!

Up front, Springbok prop CJ van der Linde (groin) should start running next week. There is also the good news on the three injured locks: Franco van der Merwe (eye injury) will be ready for the season’s kick-off; Wikus van Heerden (knee) should start running next week; and flank/lock Michael Rhodes should also be in the mix come the first game.

Not so good news is the injuries to young scrumhalves Ross Cronje (finger injury) and Whestley Moolman (heel). They could be off the park for about four weeks, although Cronje will obviously be able to take part in running-related training. The Pumas scrumhalf (and sometimes centre) Tian Meyer has been training with the Lions as cover.

** While the Lions will have their second and last warm-up match on February 14 when they play the Southern Kings in George, there will also be special interest in the performance of the Toyota Cheetahs side in their warm-up against the Vodacom Bulls in Polokwane on Saturday February 11.