Olympic Games bronze medallist Kwagga Smith will make his long-awaited return to the 15-man game only next week.
The Sevens rugby specialist returned home from Rio de Janeiro on Monday after helping the BlitzBoks secure third place and the bronze medal at the Olympics last week.
The 23-year-old, who normally plays flank in 15s rugby, was a key figure in the Golden Lions team that went 12 games unbeaten in the Currie Cup last year en route to the title.
Coach Johan Ackermann has decided to give Smith a break before calling on his services, but the good news for the Lions is that the men who stood in for the first choice players last week all enjoyed good outings.
In the absence of loose forwards Warren Whiteley (Springboks), Warwick Tecklenburg (club rugby in Japan) and Jaco Kriel (Springboks), the Lions will be relying on a bunch of young, promising players. Cyle Brink, Steph de Wit and Ruan Ackermann did the business against the Pumas last weekend in the Lions’ opening game of the competition and they may well be called on again this week.
Victor Sekekete played off the bench against the Pumas and he may fulfil the same role when the Lions travel to Kimberley this weekend for a date with Griquas.
Smith, though, will boost the options at loose-forward and he’s sure to come into the mix next week. He’s an explosive player with plenty of pace and skill and doesn’t hold back defensively either considering he only tips the scales at 80kg.
After last weekend’s 10-try romp against the Pumas, Ackermann will be hard pressed to make changes to his young side, but he will have to consider including at least four of the five Super Rugby regulars.
Prop Dylan Smith, lock Andries Ferreira, wing Courtnall Skosan and fullback Andries Coetzee took some time off last week but are again available for selection, but centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is not likely to play any time soon.
The big centre hurt his shoulder and upper arm in the Super Rugby final against the Hurricanes 10 days ago and won't be rushed back.
The midfield combination of Howard Mnisi and Stokkies Hanekom worked a treat last week so there won’t be too many worries in the Lions camp, but how Ackermann will find a place for the other four Super Rugby starters could take some doing. - The Star