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Pieter Jordaan
Johannesburg – Lions scrumhalf Jano Vermaak is back on the training field, but is not yet ready for Super 14 action.
Vermaak, who has recovered from a broken ankle, trained with a preliminary Vodacom Cup squad in the Johannesburg Stadium on Monday.
He is expected to start his comeback in the Vodacom Cup and hopes to join the Super 14 touring squad, which kicks off its sojourn in Wellington against the Hurricanes on 27 February.
But for now the Lions have to focus on a very important game before the tour – against the Chiefs.
The Lions have a nightmare draw, with the five-week tour being the worst aspect.
Their 13-26 defeat to the Stormers in their opening game also did not inspire confidence. The Lions now have to capitalise on their home advantage against the Chiefs.
However, the Chiefs would have taken confidence from starting their campaign with an away win over the Sharks.
This time the Lions will have to keep their possession better from the outset as the New Zealand team are likely to be more ruthless than the Stormers in capitalising on their attacking opportunities.
Keeping possession was a major theme in Monday’s training session.
“Respect the ball guys, respect the ball,” was the call from coach Dick Muir on a number of occasions while the team played a sort of touch rugby.
Only Cobus Grobbelaar (flanker) and Michael Killian (substitute fullback) did not train because of light injuries, while Jacques Lombard (lock) and Charles Emslie (substitute hooker) were ill.
Muir does not appear to be considering many changes to his side. Todd Clever and Derick Minnie filled in for Grobbelaar and Lombard at training.
Muir will announce his side on Tuesday and will be able to call on Carlos Spencer (flyhalf), even though the All Black sustained a heavy knock to his head.
Johannesburg – Lions scrumhalf Jano Vermaak is back on the training field, but is not yet ready for Super 14 action.
Vermaak, who has recovered from a broken ankle, trained with a preliminary Vodacom Cup squad in the Johannesburg Stadium on Monday.
He is expected to start his comeback in the Vodacom Cup and hopes to join the Super 14 touring squad, which kicks off its sojourn in Wellington against the Hurricanes on 27 February.
But for now the Lions have to focus on a very important game before the tour – against the Chiefs.
The Lions have a nightmare draw, with the five-week tour being the worst aspect.
Their 13-26 defeat to the Stormers in their opening game also did not inspire confidence. The Lions now have to capitalise on their home advantage against the Chiefs.
However, the Chiefs would have taken confidence from starting their campaign with an away win over the Sharks.
This time the Lions will have to keep their possession better from the outset as the New Zealand team are likely to be more ruthless than the Stormers in capitalising on their attacking opportunities.
Keeping possession was a major theme in Monday’s training session.
“Respect the ball guys, respect the ball,” was the call from coach Dick Muir on a number of occasions while the team played a sort of touch rugby.
Only Cobus Grobbelaar (flanker) and Michael Killian (substitute fullback) did not train because of light injuries, while Jacques Lombard (lock) and Charles Emslie (substitute hooker) were ill.
Muir does not appear to be considering many changes to his side. Todd Clever and Derick Minnie filled in for Grobbelaar and Lombard at training.
Muir will announce his side on Tuesday and will be able to call on Carlos Spencer (flyhalf), even though the All Black sustained a heavy knock to his head.
