Injury setback for Pienaar

Springbok number 10 likely to be fit to face Lions

Last updated: 18th May 2009

Injury setback for Pienaar

Pienaar: Fitness race

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South Africa fly-half Ruan Pienaar should be fit for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions despite suffering an ankle injury playing for the Sharks at the weekend.

The Springbok number 10, who is favourite to start against the tourists on June 30, strained ankle ligaments before limping out of the Sharks' final Super 14 game against the Bulls on Saturday.

However, he is expected to be out for a maximum of three weeks, leaving him plenty of time to recover for the Lions series.

"He has suffered a grade two sprain of his ankle ligaments," Sharks team doctor Craig Roberts said. "He had a scan today on the ankle and there is no other damage which is good news.

"It looks like he will be out for two to three weeks which is good news as he should be alright for the Lions series."

The 25-year-old started South Africa's last match against England in November and his return to fitness is key with Butch James having suffered a long-term knee injury playing for Bath last month.

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