The Lions will be hoping for a couple of Springbok reinforcements ahead of Saturday’s all-important derby against the Stormers at Ellis Park.

Last year’s runners-up slipped to a third loss in four games as they were outplayed by the Crusaders on Sunday, but as coach Swys de Bruin pointed out after the clash, they were missing as many as six Springboks who featured in the 2017 final.

For one, it’s clear that the Lions are sorely missing the presence of influential captain Warren Whiteley, but De Bruin said they hoped he could come back into contention this week after a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Ruan Combrinck and Rohan Janse van Rensburg are other key players who could be nearing a return to play, while Ross Cronjé remains on the recovery path from a rib injury.

De Bruin said he had been pleased with the players who had been filling in for a number of injured players, but the Lions will be hoping for the availability of at least one of their Springboks.

‘It [the loss to the Crusaders] is not the end of the world yet and that [losing] bonus point might make a massive difference,’ De Bruin said.

‘We have to get over it and focus on the Stormers. Every game is big, but that is a really big game. They are coming off a loss and we have hit a few bumps on the road.

‘We are not going to give in. I know the character of this group.’

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