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Johannesburg - Lions head coach Dick Muir will wait until after the warm-up match against the Bulls in Polokwane on January 30 before he announces his squad for the 2010 Super 14 competition which starts on February 12.
Still training with more than 50 players, Muir says "it is only fair to give the guys as much time as possible to prove themselves."
The Lions have just returned from a training camp at Dullstroom. "Our main aim was to integrate the players and management, to get them to know each other and to ensure we all know where we're going and what the objectives are.
"One must remember a fair number of the squad are new to the Lions and the weekend helped them to get to know one another and management."
And while Muir is content with the knowledge that the integration exercise went well, he is also happy about the preparation of the side.
"The guys, in between gelling as a squad, worked hard at the training over the weekend and all in all it was a very worthwhile exercise.
"Of course one is never completely happy with the fitness or the skills of a side. There is always room for improvement. However, things are looking good," said Muir.
"We're fortunate with injuries as well. Hookers Hans van Dyk and Hannes Franklin both hurt their ankles during the training camp, but these are not serious injuries. And the other players with longer term injuries are making good progress," said Muir.
Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak has not started serious training after his ankle (ligament) injury towards the end of last season.
Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga (shoulder) is close to being ready for action, but locks Jacques Lombard and Johan Snyman and utility back Jody Rose, will not be fit for the first match in the competition.
