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Cape Town - Lions captain Warren Whiteley is hopeful that he’ll be fit to lead his team in Saturday’s Super Rugby semi-final against the Highlanders at Ellis Park (15:00 kick-off).
Whiteley is struggling with a calf injury he sustained in last weekend’s 42-25 win over the Crusaders.
“It’s touch and go, but I believe I will be ready,” he told Netwerk24 on Tuesday.
“I did light running today (Tuesday) and I have to say that it doesn’t feel too bad. With treatment, I hope that it will improve to such an extent over the next few days in order for me to be ready.”
Whiteley though insisted that he won’t take to the field if not fully fit.
“It’s not a match that you’d like to miss, but I realise I’ll have to be 100% to be able to play. It’s of no use of me playing but not able to give my all to the team. That I won’t do, no matter how much I’d like to play.”
Meanwhile, there is also doubt over reserve scrumhalf Ross Cronje, who injured his ankle while scoring a try against the Crusaders.
A final decision regarding both players’ availability will be made on Thursday.
Coach Johan Ackermann on Tuesday named a 27-man squad for Saturday's game, with the official team announcement to take place on Thursday.
Dillon Smit has been drafted in as cover in case Cronje fails his fitness test.
Lions’ 27-man squad:
Forwards
Dylan Smith, Corne Fourie, Julian Redelinghuys, Jacques van Rooyen, Armand “Akker” van der Merwe, Malcolm Marx, Lourens Erasmus, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Ackermann, Warwick Tecklenberg, Warren Whiteley, Jaco Kriel, Cyle Brink, Steph de Witt
Backs
Faf de Klerk, Ross Cronje, Dillon Smit, Elton Jantjies, Jaco van der Walt, Courtnall Skosan, Ruan Combrinck, Sylvian Mahuza, Howard Mnisi, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Lionel Mapoe, Andries Coetzee
