Lions running out of locks

2008-09-07 22:40

Hennie Brandt

Johannesburg - The Lions are fast running out of locks as the Currie Cup series heads into the home straight.

Gerhard Mostert's season was ended when he dislocated his left shoulder in the 83-14 win over the Falcons on Friday night.

The young lock, who has had problems with the same shoulder before, will be out of action for 12 weeks.

This injury follows shortly after the serious hamstring injury sustained earlier by Dewald Senekal.

The Lions are holding thumbs like crazy that he will be ready for their last two Cup fixtures against the Sharks in Johannesburg and WP at Newlands.

To further disrupt matters, locks like Willem Stoltz, Cobus Grobler and Alten Hulme are no longer available following their decisions to play rugby in Italy and France.

Eighthman Willem Alberts's season has been ended by a torn ankle ligament. He could have been considered for lock in an emergency.

"With Gerhard's injury we're in trouble and seriously depleted in the lock department," said forwards coach Leon Boshoff. "We will now have to go to the clubs to see what talent there may be.

Injury bogeyman

"Unfortunately we can't consider players from the University of Johannesburg, as they are participating in the national club tournament (in Stellenbosch). This may just be the opportunity for a completely unknown player to come to the fore."

Coach Eugene Eloff said the injury bogeyman has been following the Lions around since as far back as the Super 14 series. "All the injuries that have hit us have been serious."

Fortunately for Eloff and co they at least still have the luxury of selecting Franco van der Merwe to partner Anton van Zyl at lock for Saturday's match against Griquas.

Van der Merwe's place in the number 7 jersey will be taken by either Justin Wheeler or Derick Minnie.

With Chris Jonck's having sustained concussion against the Falcons, Eloff will probably consider one of the scrumhalves from the Lions' Under-19 or Under-20 side for the bench.

Jano Vermaak will take over the number 9 jersey after having served his one-match suspension for a spear tackle.

Meanwhile Manie Reynecke, CEO of the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU), says he has extended an offer to the loose forward of the American Eagles, Todd Clever, to play Super 14 and Currie Cup rugby for the Lions.

- Beeld