Leading Lions to be bolstered by Boks

The Lions will be strengthened by the return of a number of star players when they head on their Australasian tour.

Swys de Bruin’s side seemed to pick up no significant injuries after their outstanding 52-31 win over the Stormers in Johannesburg.

Wing Madosh Tambwe, who scored a record-equalling four tries on Saturday, left the field in the second half against the Stormers with what looked like a leg injury. However, De Bruin said after the match that he thinks the young talent will be “fine” for the upcoming tour.

De Bruin is also expecting a number of injured Springboks to return to action on their tour. The Lions have a bye next week and will leave South African shores on April 17. They are set to face the Waratahs (Sydney), Reds (Brisbane), Hurricanes (Wellington) and the Highlanders (Dunedin) over four consecutive weekends.

“Tomorrow [Sunday] morning the doctor normally sends me a report and then we make the final call with the medics on Monday.

“It doesn’t look too bad with any of the guys. Hopefully, Ross [Cronje] might be back and Warren Whiteley, so we will see how far that goes.

“Even Aphiwe [Dyantyi] and Trokkie [Rohan Janse van Rensburg] might be back. I thought they would be back for this week’s game, so you never know with the medical side.”

Despite having less possession throughout the 80 minutes against the Stormers, the Lions made good use of their opportunities scoring eight tries on their way to an impressive victory.

However, De Bruin was full of praise for his defence coach Joey Mongalo after the match.

“I just want to compliment our defence coach for the step up that he made. The defence was unreal today [Saturday] and well done to Joey. I think he has a great future ahead as a defence coach – just the amount of work and the clever stuff he put in this week, so hats off to him,” De Bruin added.

Courtesy of @rugby365com