Beefy Bartho Hlekani can fill a big hole for Lions after injury blow against the Sharks in Currie Cup
Currie Cup
Angelo Davids of the Lions scores, despite the attentions of Phiko Sobahle of the Sharks at Emirates Airline Park this past weekend. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The Lions' handsome 46-5 Currie Cup victory over the Sharks came at a cost, with flank Izan Esterhuizen suffering a serious injury.
However, this setback could be offset by the timely arrival of burly Bathobele Hlekani, a Junior Springbok who made a huge impact in Italy.
Hlekani has been with the Sharks but, curiously, has slipped out of their net. His signature is a significant coup for a Lions squad that usually sees players going the other way — to Durban, as has been the recent case with Springbok Edwill van der Merwe and Emmanuel Tshituka.
Hlekani was one of three players from the victorious Junior Bok side at the World U20 Championship to be invited to train with the Springboks.
Lions coach Mzwakhe Nkosi said they would like Hlekani to join them pronto.
“Izan’s injury looks like a season-ender,” Nkosi said.
“We will try and get Batho to Joburg sooner rather than later. Yeah, he’s probably out for the season, so we have to scramble hard. I just spoke to the CEO; we will have to source another openside flanker as soon as possible,” the coach added.
The Lions outclassed a Sharks side that was packed with newcomers.
With ball in hand, Bathobele Hlekani drives forward, a formidable force who will soon bring his Junior Springbok power and talent to the Lions' pack. Photo: World Rugby
Image: World Rugby
“I wouldn’t say we were a more experienced side, but we are probably more settled,” Nkosi said.
“Nico Steyn just turned 22, and Jarrod Cairns has only just turned 23. SJ Kotze is still 21; RF Schoeman hasn’t turned 22 yet. We are probably a whole lot more settled than JP's team (Pietersen’s). When SJ came on, I thought he made a difference.”
“I am happy with the level of performance,” Nkosi continued.
“We were a bit apprehensive. We haven’t played a game. The Pumas have played two or three, Griquas have played, and Province have played two.
"So, we and the Bulls have gone in cold. We were nervous. So it’s good that we got the cobwebs out, and also that we got a result like we got.”
Nkosi praised the performances of Angelo Davids and Rabs Maxwane, who were constant threats on attack. Davids has joined the Lions from the Stormers.
“If you can have guys like Angelo and Rabs on the edges, you want to get the ball to them sooner rather than later. That’s who we are and how we want to play.
"Angelo will hit his straps. He must have had three games in two seasons. He has been frustrated; his game hasn’t improved at the trajectory that he would have liked.
"So, hopefully, before the start of the URC, he can get to a place where he can compete. And obviously, there is a vacancy with the departure of Edwill van der Merwe, so hopefully, he can put his hand up to stake a claim in that URC team.”