THURSDAY, 10.30AM:
The older hands have been left out of the Gauteng Lions team to face the Natal Sharks in the Super 12 match on Saturday night. After a trail of injuries claimed the Springboks on the team, young players have been put in the side to face Natal.
“We decided it would be better to play some of the youngsters who came through well against Queensland. They need more big match experience because the Currie Cup is just around the corner and many of our Springboks, like Hennie Le Roux will be needed for the Tests,” Gauteng Lions coach Ray Mordt said.
Mordt also said there is “nothing sinister” about Le Roux’s benching, which has nothing to do with the allegations that he faked a groin injury in the match against Auckland.
Mordt has allowed Pieter Hendriks a place in the match, at the special request of Springbok coach Carel du Plessis, who wants to see Hendriks play to gauge his fitness after he was sidelined for seven months last year following a hamstring injury. Hendriks takes the place of young player James Moss, and Mordt says, “it’s in the best interests of SA rugby”.
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