Lions send SOS to Matthews

The Emirates Lions have sent an SOS to utility back Duncan Matthews to join their team as they head to New Zealand this week.

Matthews will join a side bereft of confidence and with only one win in five matches as injuries beset the camp after their loss to the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.

News from the Lions camp is that both Jamba Ulengo and Wandisile Simelane are out with injuries, with Matthews coming in to cover both positions for the team.

Ulengo has a “severe quad contusion” and will have to pass a fitness test later in the week if he is to be included in the squad to face the Blues, with Courtnal Skosan on standby to move into the starting role if he fails the fitness test.

Simelane, meanwhile, has a Grade 1 MCL tear on his right knee and will stay with the team as they assess his progress.

According to a team injury update, the injury “will probably settle by the Highlanders match. His progress will be assessed later in the week.”

The team now moves to Auckland where they will prepare for the match against the Blues.