Lions banking on return of key players

Johannesburg - The Lions have received some good news on the injury front with Warren Whiteley, Ross Cronje, Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Aphiwe Dyantyi all expected to be cleared for their upcoming Australasian tour.

FIXTURES: Super Rugby 2018

The Lions leave on Tuesday, April 17 for fixtures against the Waratahs, Reds, Hurricanes and Highlanders. 

The availability of that quartet, particularly skipper Whiteley, would be massive for the 2016 and 2017 runners-ups as they look to solidify their position on top of the South African Conference. 

There were a couple of fitness concerns after Saturday's 52-31 against the Stormers in Johannesburg, but word coming out of the camp on Tuesday was positive.

Cyle Brink had nerve entrapment in the right shoulder, but should be available for the tour opener while scrumhalf Dillon Smit injured his rib cartilage, but is also expected to be fine. 

The Lions have a bye this weekend.