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Pieter Jordaan
Johannesburg – Jaco Taute is set to return to the Lions’ starting line-up for Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Western Force at Coca-Cola Park.
New Zealand import James Kamana was picked ahead of Taute at fullback for the weekend’s match against the Cheetahs, but is appearing in front of a disciplinary committee on Tuesday and facing possible suspension.
Kamana was cited for a spear tackle on the Cheetahs’ Robert Ebersohn in the 59th minute of their match in Bloemfontein.
The incident did not appear as serious as some others, but Taute may well start even if Kamana is cleared.
Kamana did several good things against the Cheetahs and played a major role in setting up a try for Lionel Mapoe in the first half.
However, Taute impressed as a substitute and his greater physical strength may be necessary against the Force.
Taute is turning 20 on Monday and will want to finish off his last week as a teenager with a good performance.
It’s also a special week for Lions coach John Mitchell. He was still the Force’s coach last year and it will be the first time since leaving Perth that he is involved in a match against his former team.
Apart from the decision about Kamana and Taute, Mitchell also has to consider a return for Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf.
Rory Kockott was one of the Lions’ best players against the Cheetahs, but Vermaak is the established scrumhalf and should play now that he has recovered from his concussion.
The rest of the team that achieved the Lions’ first Super Rugby victory in 22 months is set to be picked again.
The Force, coached by former Mitchell assistant Richard Graham, will travel from Australia to South Africa on Tuesday.
Graham’s team has suffered one setback after the other in the tournament to date. Flank David Pocock, flyhalf Willie Ripia, utility back Mark Bartholomeusz and scrumhalf Justin Turner are all injured.
On Monday they also heard that experienced prop Matt Dunning would be out for about a month with a foot injury.
However, the good news for the Force is that star backline player James O’Connor was not seriously injured when he fell hard on his neck in Saturday’s match against the Blues.
Johannesburg – Jaco Taute is set to return to the Lions’ starting line-up for Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Western Force at Coca-Cola Park.
New Zealand import James Kamana was picked ahead of Taute at fullback for the weekend’s match against the Cheetahs, but is appearing in front of a disciplinary committee on Tuesday and facing possible suspension.
Kamana was cited for a spear tackle on the Cheetahs’ Robert Ebersohn in the 59th minute of their match in Bloemfontein.
The incident did not appear as serious as some others, but Taute may well start even if Kamana is cleared.
Kamana did several good things against the Cheetahs and played a major role in setting up a try for Lionel Mapoe in the first half.
However, Taute impressed as a substitute and his greater physical strength may be necessary against the Force.
Taute is turning 20 on Monday and will want to finish off his last week as a teenager with a good performance.
It’s also a special week for Lions coach John Mitchell. He was still the Force’s coach last year and it will be the first time since leaving Perth that he is involved in a match against his former team.
Apart from the decision about Kamana and Taute, Mitchell also has to consider a return for Jano Vermaak at scrumhalf.
Rory Kockott was one of the Lions’ best players against the Cheetahs, but Vermaak is the established scrumhalf and should play now that he has recovered from his concussion.
The rest of the team that achieved the Lions’ first Super Rugby victory in 22 months is set to be picked again.
The Force, coached by former Mitchell assistant Richard Graham, will travel from Australia to South Africa on Tuesday.
Graham’s team has suffered one setback after the other in the tournament to date. Flank David Pocock, flyhalf Willie Ripia, utility back Mark Bartholomeusz and scrumhalf Justin Turner are all injured.
On Monday they also heard that experienced prop Matt Dunning would be out for about a month with a foot injury.
However, the good news for the Force is that star backline player James O’Connor was not seriously injured when he fell hard on his neck in Saturday’s match against the Blues.
