Vermaak back for Lions
Scrum-half included on the bench after recovering from illness
Last updated: 14th May 2008
Vermaak: On the bench
Lions coach Eugene Eloff has retained the team that started the match against the Chiefs but has included scrum-half Jano Vermaak on the bench for Saturday's against the Stormers at Ellis Park.
Vermaak has recovered from the 'flu that forced him out of last week's match.
Chris Jonck, who seized his chance to be in the run-on team, retains the number nine jersey.
"Jano and Chris are special players," said Eloff.
"I think it will be better to play Jano off the bench after the severe flu he had."
The decision also gives Vermaak a rest. He has played a lot of rugby recently.
Former Springbok loose forward Joe van Niekerk did not train on Tuesday. He took some big knocks last week, including one from the boot of Chiefs prop Ben May - who has been suspended for three weeks - and he is still bruised.
Eloff said Van Niekerk would be ready for the match against the Stormers.
Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Louis Ludik, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Walter Venter, 11 Ryno Benjamin, 10 Jaco van Schalkwyk, 9 Chris Jonck, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Joe van Niekerk, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (c), 5 Gerhard Mostert, 4 Dewald Senekal, 3 JC Janse van Rensburg, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reynecke, 17 Ross Geldenhuys, 18 Franco van der Merwe, 19 Wilhelm Koch, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Jannie Boshoff, 22 Dusty Noble.
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Super 14 | |
| Saturday 31st May | |
| Crusaders 20 - 12 Waratahs | |
| Saturday 24th May | |
| Waratahs 28 - 13 Sharks | |
| Crusaders 33 - 22 Hurricanes | |
Super 14 Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crusaders | 12 | 52 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 13 | 41 |
| 3 | Blues | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | NSW Waratahs | 12 | 39 |
| 5 | Stormers | 12 | 37 |
| 6 | Sharks | 12 | 37 |
Features
Slick Rik
Join the Sky Sports Debate on the inclusion of Riki Flutey in the England elite squad.
Tri-Nations 2008
The full fixture schedule for the 2008 Tri-Nations series as New Zealand look to defend their title.
Fronting up
Miles Harrison on the new England backline and whether they can square the series with New Zealand.
Experts & Blogs
Latest Super 14 News
Friend: We can win it
New Brumbies coach Andy Friend has boldly declared his side can win the Super 14 title in 2009.
Smit agrees to return home
South Africa captain John Smit is to return home after agreeing a two-year deal with the Sharks.
NZRU 'no' to Hansen
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has had his application to lead the Canterbury Crusaders turned down by the NZRU.
Lam handed Blues role
Former Samoa and New Zealand No.8 Pat Lam has been appointed as the new coach of the Auckland Blues.
Injury blow for Leonard
All Blacks and Chiefs scrum-half Brendon Leonard will be out of action for six months after having surgery on his knee.
