Lions can still roar without Mnisi

Lionel Mapoe will likely switch from the right wing to outside centre for the Lions next game. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Lionel Mapoe will likely switch from the right wing to outside centre for the Lions next game. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Published Feb 28, 2017

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JOHANNESBURG - A week ago Lionel Mapoe was preparing himself for a good few weeks of playing on the right wing. Now he’s got to ready himself to again don the Lions No 13 jersey.

The Springbok outside centre was set to fill in on right wing until Ruan Combrinck was fit following shoulder surgery, but an injury to Howard Mnisi has brought about another change of plans.

Mnisi has been ruled out for nine months after rupturing right knee ligaments against the Cheetahs on Saturday, which means coach Johan Ackermann has to reshuffle his back division this week.

Mapoe, who was outstanding at No 13 last season, is the obvious choice to play alongside Rohan Janse van Rensburg - the two-try hero for the Lions against the Cheetahs.

But the above-mentioned combination is not the only one Ackermann can consider for this week's match against the Waratahs.

Harold Vorster, who replaced Mnisi, is a powerful player with plenty of pace and he’ll be keen for the opportunity after sitting out last season with knee ligament damage.

Then there’s Jacques Nel, the 23-year-old younger brother of SA Sevens star Ruhan. He can play in midfield and on the wing, giving Ackermann plenty to think about.

If Mapoe does move closer to the action, then the coach may well consider Nel for the No 14 jersey but then there are also the likes of Madosh Tambwe, Anthony Volmink and Sylvian Mahuza to consider.

The good news is that the Lions have depth at centre and wing, something Ackermann alluded to last week. “We’re blessed with quality players. It’s up to the players who get the chance to put up their hands and take it,” he said.

There are no other major injury concerns in the camp.

The Waratahs edged the Western Force 19-13 in their opening game and return to Ellis Park, where they lost their only ever match to the Lions, a 22-27 defeat in 2015. 

Cape Argus

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