JOHANNESBURG - Fit-again Springbok centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg is back in the Lions mix after spending three months on the sidelines.
The burly inside centre will play off the bench when the Lions face the Sharks in a final Super Rugby round-robin fixture in Durban on Saturday.
Janse van Rensburg hurt his knee in the early rounds of the competition, ruling him out of several matches, including his likely participation with the Springboks against France last month, but is back to help the Lions try win the Super Rugby title.
He got 30 minutes playing time behind him in the SuperSport Challenge last weekend and replaces Jacques Nel on the bench for the Sharks match.
“Rohan was in great form before his injury, so while it is unfortunate for a player like Jacques who did well in Rohan’s absence, he is a Springbok and we want to have him available for the playoffs,” said coach Johan Ackermann on Thursday.
“This will be a good opportunity for Rohan to get some more game-time behind him.”
In total, there are 12 Springboks in the Lions’ matchday squad.
The Lions must beat the Sharks and hope the Hurricanes topple the unbeaten Crusaders earlier in the day if the Joburg team are to finish top of the standings after the weekend – and secure a spot at Ellis Park for as long as they stay in the competition.
Kickoff on Saturday in Durban is 5.05pm.
Lions Team
Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronje, Ruan Ackermann, Kwagga Smith, Jaco Kriel (capt), Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira, Ruan Dreyer, Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen.
Replacements:
Akker van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Johannes Jonker, Lourens Erasmus, Cyle Brink, Faf de Klerk, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Sylvian Mahuza.