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Johannesburg - Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius won’t be rushed back into action for the Lions following his recovery from a long-term injury.
Pretorius did not play at all last year following an operation on his foot in 2007 and Lions coach Eugene Eloff said although Pretorius was not experiencing any problems with his right foot, the potential match-winner would be used mostly as an impact player early in the Super14.
That means Earl Rose is set to wear the No 10 jersey in Friday night’s clash against the Cheetahs at Coca-Cola Park.
Eloff will unleash Pretorius later. He broke two bones in his foot in a freak accident when the Springboks played the Barbarians at Twickenham at the end of 2007.
“I feel superb. My foot has recovered completely and it does not influence my kicking. I would like to be eased back into Super14 rugby off the bench,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius looked his old self at Monday’s training session. There are no problems with his pace, while his decision-making and distribution are still intact.
With Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf, a centre pairing of Doppies la Grange and Jaque Fourie on his outside, and Ashwin Willemse and Henno Mentz on the wings, the Lions back division may fire.
Lions forwards coach Leon Boshoff believes they have a pack that will be able to stand its ground this year. The return of No 8 Willem Alberts will give the forwards more clout.
American flank Todd Clever will be used off the bench on Friday. Captain and fetcher Cobus Grobbelaar will make up the loose-trio with Franco van der Merwe and Alberts.
Johannesburg - Springbok flyhalf André Pretorius won’t be rushed back into action for the Lions following his recovery from a long-term injury.
Pretorius did not play at all last year following an operation on his foot in 2007 and Lions coach Eugene Eloff said although Pretorius was not experiencing any problems with his right foot, the potential match-winner would be used mostly as an impact player early in the Super14.
That means Earl Rose is set to wear the No 10 jersey in Friday night’s clash against the Cheetahs at Coca-Cola Park.
Eloff will unleash Pretorius later. He broke two bones in his foot in a freak accident when the Springboks played the Barbarians at Twickenham at the end of 2007.
“I feel superb. My foot has recovered completely and it does not influence my kicking. I would like to be eased back into Super14 rugby off the bench,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius looked his old self at Monday’s training session. There are no problems with his pace, while his decision-making and distribution are still intact.
With Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf, a centre pairing of Doppies la Grange and Jaque Fourie on his outside, and Ashwin Willemse and Henno Mentz on the wings, the Lions back division may fire.
Lions forwards coach Leon Boshoff believes they have a pack that will be able to stand its ground this year. The return of No 8 Willem Alberts will give the forwards more clout.
American flank Todd Clever will be used off the bench on Friday. Captain and fetcher Cobus Grobbelaar will make up the loose-trio with Franco van der Merwe and Alberts.
