FRIDAY, 11.00AM:
THE Gauteng Lions rugby team are to discuss injured Springbok flyhalf Hennie le Roux’s position in the team at a meeting on Monday night at Ellis Park. Le Roux recently denied rumours of his transfer and reports that he had a fall-out with GLRU president Dr Louis Luyt in New Zealand. Le Roux said: “I am very surprised to read about these allegations.” He said he left the Super 12 early because of an aggravated groin injury, and he hopes to be fit to play in the match against Natal on May 17.
The top teams in the Super 12 are under pressure to secure the points they need as the semi-finals loom closer. Auckland Blues are sitting pretty with 40 points, but Australian Capital Territories, Wellington Hurricanes, Natal, Gauteng, Northern Transvaal and Free State are further down the points ladder. Elimination matches between the teams will be played this weekend.
Sevens player Shaun Payne will replace Dirkie Strydom in the Natal side to face Northern Transvaal in a Super 12 match at King’s Park on Sunday. Other changes to the team — Joost Joubert will be left out on a one match suspension; will be replaced by Cabous van der Westhuizen and Geoff Appleford will step in for injured Sprindgok centre Pieter Muller.