Johannesburg - The Lions’ Super Rugby preparations will take a major step forward this week when a number of last season’s stars enter the fray for the team’s final warm-up game before the competition kicks off on February 25.
Loose-forwards Warren Whiteley and Jaco Kriel, lock Franco Mostert, flyhalf Elton Jantjies and centre Lionel Mapoe - all players who spent the last four months playing club rugby in Japan - look set to turn out against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.
Coach Johan Ackermann is expected to play his strongest side; this after two fairly inexperienced teams previously ran out against the Bulls and an invitation side.
Whiteley said he felt “great” despite not having an off-season. He further explained how the South African players are accommodated in Japan’s Top League.
“There’s a misconception about playing in Japan,” said Whiteley after his first stint playing in the country, for the Red Hurricanes.
“There are a lot less games than people realise and there’s also not as much contact in the kind of rugby that is played,” explained the Lions skipper.
“I also know that the Lions players didn’t actually play that much because the teams are only allowed three internationals on the field at any given time, and only three foreigners are allowed in the matchday squad. I started only one game. I feel great.”
Whiteley, however, admitted he and his fellow senior “travellers” had to now buckle down and take charge of the squad. They only returned to squad training at the beginning of last week.
“Because we’re the seniors and were away there’s a responsibility on our shoulders to now step up and lead from the front,” he said.
“We’re coming into a group that’s been working very hard (for a while), so there’s pressure on us, but we’re up for it and excited about what lies ahead.”
One of the Japan-band who is not part of the Lions squad this year is flank Warwick Tecklenburg, who’s retired from the game.
Finding a replacement for him at No 7 is one of Ackermann’s key aims before the Lions start their campaign, against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Also, the Lions are looking for a tighthead prop to fill the shoes of Julian Redelinghuys, who’ll miss out this year after breaking his neck in the latter stages of last season.
“We’ve got to find men to take over from Warwick and Julian both of whom were leaders on and off the field,” said Ackermann.
“Those are big shoes to fill, but there’s also a major opportunity for some players now.”
Ackermann’s son, Ruan, is the hot favourite to take over at No 7, but Kwagga Smith, now full-time with the Lions after provisionally giving up on Sevens, should also play a big role going forward. Ruan Dreyer is likely to be Ackermann’s first-choice tighthead this season.
The Lions are in camp at Luke Umuzi in Secunda and return to Johannesburg on Wednesday. Ackermann is due to name his team to face the the Stormers on Thursday.