A desperate Lions side have sent an SOS to utility back Duncan Matthews to join the team as their Super Rugby tour of Australasia heads to New Zealand.
According to the supersport.com website, Matthews will join a side bereft of confidence and with only one win in five matches as injuries beset the camp after their loss to the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday.
News from the Lions camp is that both Jamba Ulengo and Wandisile Simelane are out with injuries, with Matthews coming in to cover both positions for the team.
Ulengo has a “severe quad contusion” and will have to pass a fitness test later in the week if he is to be included in the squad to face the Blues, with Courtnall Skosan on standby to move into the starting role if he fails the fitness test.
Simelane, meanwhile, has a Grade 1 MCL tear on his right knee and will stay with the team as they assess his progress.
According to a team injury update, the injury “will probably settle by the Highlanders match. His progress will be assessed later in the week.”
The team now moves to Auckland where they will prepare for the match against the Blues (Saturday, 14 March at 05:45 SA time).
They will conclude their four-match tour against the Highlanders on Saturday, 21 March at 05:45 SA time in Dunedin.
The Lions are currently bottom of the SA Conference and 12th in the Overall standings.