Joubert eager for action

2008-08-20 22:06

Hennie Brandt

Johannesburg - Ernst Joubert will be ready to make a contribution if the Lions call on him during their Currie Cup rugby match against the Free State Cheetahs here on Friday evening.

Joubert, who captained the Lions in the Super 14 and Currie Cup competitions before undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in March, is among the substitutes for the match at Coca-Cola Park.

If he plays, it will be his first Currie Cup rugby of the year.

Joubert was also on the bench when the Lions beat the Blue Bulls 30-27 in Pretoria recently but coach Eugene Eloff kept him out of action for a while longer to ensure he recovers fully.

"The plan has always been for me to make my return off the bench during the match against the Cheetahs," Joubert said on Wednesday.

Worked hard on his fitness

"Tests have shown that the shoulder is ready. When I make contact for the first time against the Cheetahs, I'll know I'm back.

"I am not 100 per cent match fit yet. One must play in matches to be match fit. But I have run a lot and I have worked hard on my fitness during the past fortnight. It was good for me," Joubert said.

Joubert and Justin Wheeler will again be the loose forwards on the bench.

If a replacement at lock is needed, flank Franco van der Merwe or No 8 Willem Alberts can be moved. If Van der Merwe goes to lock, Wheeler will go to No 7, and if Alberts has to switch, Joubert will go to No 8.

Eloff has not changed the lineup that started the match against the Blue Bulls. The only change to the squad is the inclusion of prop forward Ross Geldenhuys, who replaces Gert Muller.

Geldenhuys, who made his mark on the tighthead side during the Super 14 series, has completed a power-building programme. Muller will now have the opportunity to undertake a similar course.

The Lions team:

Louis Ludik, Michael Killian, Jaco Pretorius, Doppies la Grange, Ryno Benjamin, Earl Rose, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), Gerhard Mostert, Anton van Zyl, Lawrence Sephaka, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe.

Substitutes: Ethienne Reynecke, Ross Geldenhuys, Ernst Joubert, Justin Wheeler, Chris Jonck, Louis Strydom and Jaco van Schalkwyk.

- Beeld