Lions boss Johan Ackermann is going to have a serious selection dile-mma in the remainder of this year’s Currie Cup competition.
Rookie flyhalf Jaco van der Walt has helped his team to second place in the standings and given his outside backs plenty of quality ball, and space, to weave their magic.
But back in the reckoning is one-Test cap No10 Marnitz Boshoff, who’s recovered from a broken arm far quicker than first thought.
Boshoff will make his return to the team off the bench against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday, but as the play-offs near, he will push Van der Walt for the starting spot.
Not too many people know it but Boshoff has played a major role behind the scenes in helping Van der Walt find his feet in the Lions team over the last few weeks.
“Jaco’s done a brilliant job. He’s played really well and the big thing with him is that he’s prepared to listen and learn, and put in the hard work,” said Boshoff yesterday.
“For such a young guy, coming into the Currie Cup, he’s performed very well.
“I’ve spent a bit of time with him, getting him up to speed with what his role is in the team, and he’s taken everything on board.”
Boshoff admits it’s been a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines.
Not only has his stand-in done a good job, but he’s missed out on his team’s good run in the Currie Cup and he’s missed out on possibly earning more than the Test cap he earned against Scotland in June.
“Look, injuries are never a nice thing and there’s never a right time to have one.
“It’s part of rugby though, even though it’s difficult to accept.
“I’m happy for Jaco and Handré (Pollard), who’s grabbed his chance in the Bok team.
“Competition is never a bad thing and Handré getting into the starting team just makes the challenge for me all the more exciting.
“When guys are pushing for places it keeps the incumbent on his toes, and that’s always a positive for the team.”
Boshoff was cleared to play on Monday after initially being told he would probably only be back in time for the knockout rounds of the Currie Cup.
“My recovery went very well. I’ve worked hard to get back and am now looking forward to getting out there again.
“The Lions have been playing great rugby and I’m just pleased I can now come back and make a contribution. There are big opportunities ahead for the team, but the challenges are just as big. We’re in a good position to push for a play-off spot and that’s what the focus will be on now.”
A good final few weeks of the Currie Cup, with just three rounds remaining before the semi-finals and final, could result in Boshoff cracking the nod for the Boks’ November tour of Europe.
He will be fresh and well-rested, unlike Pollard, who’s just about played non-stop since the start of the year. Meanwhile, as reported in The Star yesterday, Warren Whiteley has been released by the Springoks and will turn out for the Lions on Saturday. - The Star