Springbok centre Jaque Fourie has recovered quicker than expected from an elbow injury and should be fit to play for the Lions this weekend.
Fourie injured his elbow at the Springbok training camp and had surgery to repair damaged medial ligaments. It was initially diagnosed that he would only begin training later this month but he has returned sooner than expected and should be included on the bench for Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup match against Boland.
“I’m delaying the announcement of my team until Thursday morning when the medical reports come through. Basically, it seems like Jaque will be able to sit on the bench,†Lions coach Loffie Eloff told keo.co.za.
If Fourie can manage to put together an injury-free run over the next month, he should come into the selection frame for the Boks’ home-leg of the Tri-Nations, which begins on 16 August against the All Blacks in Cape Town. The Springboks also face Argentina the Saturday before at Ellis Park and Fourie’s presence in the midfield will only aid the Boks.
The Lions won their first game of the Currie Cup last week against the Valke and Fourie’s return will be an additional boost. He only played the final two matches for the Lions in the Super 14 after sitting out most of the regional tournament with a groin injury, but his impact in attack and defence was patent against the Chiefs and Stormers â€" immediately galvanising what had previously looked a limp outfit.
There is, however, a growing list of injury concerns running through the camp.
Lock is the position hardest hit as Gerhard Mostert will continue his time on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. Anton van Zyl hurt his ankle in his first match back after returning from a calf injury, while Franco van der Merwe’s strained hamstring means he is also in doubt. Willem Stoltz and Alten Hulme will now fight for the spot in the second row alongside Dewald Senekal.
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