Lions get player boost

The Emirates Lions will get a boost this week from the return of some of their biggest stars who will be available for the side after some massive off-field shifts.

Not only will former captain Ross Cronje return to the field after having recovered from an ankle injury, but fullback Andries Coetzee is also fit and available after returning from Japan.

Both players are expected to be considered for Saturday’s game against the Reds at Emirates Airline Park.

Then there is the news, announced on social media on Monday morning that former captain Jaco Kriel will be returning to the Lions and will join the side this week for training, making him a possible addition to the match day 23.

Kriel’s return has been mooted for a while now, but the player released a video on Monday in Lions kit confirming he was on his way to training to join his teammates.

And then there is the addition of Willem Alberts, the former Springbok who has been given the medical all-clear from his former club in France and will join the team in training this week as well.

All four may well be ready for the Lions game, or could well be held back for next weekend’s match against the DHL Stormers as well.

The Lions also have some injury problems that need clarification this week, including a forehead laceration to midfielder Dan Kriel, which apparently won’t affect his selection chances.

But a bad ankle sprain for halfback Andre Warner will see him go for a sonar on Monday and could affect his selection against the Reds.

More clarity is also expected this week as to the situation regarding Wandisile Simelane, who was left out of the touring squad to Argentina despite being one of the brightest stars in the Lions camp. Official word was that he was left at home to “prepare for the Reds game” and it will be interesting to see if he comes into the frame for selection this week.