Lions' Van der Merwe battling injury

Editor

The Lions are hopeful lock Franco van der Merwe is not out for long after injuring his ankle in last weekend's win over the Reds.

The Lions are hopeful lock Franco van der Merwe is not sidelined for an extended period after injuring his ankle in last weekend's win over the Reds.

The Springbok was forced off the field in his side's 23-20 triumph at Ellis Park and will know more about the extent of the injury on Tuesday.

According to the Citizen website, the Johannesburg based-franchise, who will have their first bye this weekend, are also concerned about the fitness of full-back Coenie van Wyk and centre Deon van Rensburg, who also suffered big knocks against the Reds.

Lions boss Johan Ackermann revealed the trio could be out for a period of two weeks, so the bye comes at just the right time.

Their next game is against seven-times champions, the Crusaders, in Johannesburg next weekend and the rest period this week will be spent on re-energising the sore bodies after six matches on the trot.

The Lions are currently fourth on the overall table, after winning four of their first six matches, and are in second spot in the South African Conference standings.