The Lions are facing a significant injury headache ahead of Saturday's URC quarterfinal against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium, with captain Francke Horn (hamstring), centre Henco van Wyk (ankle) and fullback Quan Horn (unspecified) all in fitness doubt and likely to require fitness tests before the squad is named on Friday.
The uncertainty compounds an already depleted situation for the Johannesburg side. They head to Dublin without Morne van den Berg (bicep tear), flanker Ruan Venter (knee) and prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who is serving a doping ban.
Scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys offered cautious optimism when addressing the media, saying all three doubtful players had been training as much as possible but had not yet been cleared. "They are not entirely in or out, but they've practised as much as they can. It looks positive at the moment," he said. "We are holding thumbs that our stars come through. It is not yet 100 per cent confirmed, but they look to be available for the clash this weekend."
On a more positive note, utility back Erich Cronje, absent for the Munster match, has rejoined the squad and is available, while Richard Kriel has been cleared after failing an HIA in that same fixture.
Redelinghuys drew on Bordeaux's Champions Cup final victory over Leinster last weekend as a tactical reference point, noting the French side scored 41 points by converting their chances — a stark contrast to the Lions' seven-point return in their previous encounter with Leinster. "You won't get a million opportunities against quality teams. Finishing the opportunities that you do create is really important," he said.
The Lions name their side on Friday.