The Emirates Lions have welcomed back their captain, Reinhardt Nothnagel, but have lost the services of Jordan Hendrikse for the rest of the season.
While SuperSport reported that Hendrikse would be in a race against time to be fit for the remainder of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship after a shoulder injury, the Lions have now confirmed he will be out for the rest of the season.
Prop Ruan Dreyer also returns from his suspension and will join Nothnagel in the 25-man touring team heading to Italy for the team’s match against Benetton.
The Lions' recent win over the Bulls has put them back in contention for a playoff spot and they will be eyeing a win in Italy to bolster their hopes.
Interestingly, Lions Currie Cup captain Travis Gordon has been included in the squad, meaning the Lions will need a new captain for their Currie Cup matches this weekend.
The Lions will rely heavily on fullback Andries Coetzee, who played a season and made nine appearances for Benetton.
“Our preparation this week has been good so far. It is nice and hot here in South Africa so things are going well and we are looking forward to the tour,” said Coetzee.
“It will be good to see my former teammates. We know that Benetton is a big physical side, so we are expecting a physical game. They are also good with the ball in hand, so it is going to be a proper test match-like game. They have a few guys who play for Italy. So we are looking forward to the challenge, but we know it is going to be a fast and physical game.”
The Lions are set to name their side for the clash on Friday.
Lions Touring Squad
Forwards: Willem Alberts, PJ Botha, Morne Brandon, Ruan Dreyer, Travis Gordon, Francke Horn, Jaco Kriel, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Delport, Ruben Schoeman, Rhynardt Rijnsburger, JP Smith, Emmanuel Tshituka, Ruan Venter
Backs: Andries Coetzee, Quan Horn, Rynhardt Jonker, Gianni Lombard, Marius Louw, Rabz Maxwane, Sanele Nohamba, Manuel Rass, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe