Lions knuckle down for 'massive' challenge
The two South African conference leaders – the Lions (Africa Two) and Stormers (Africa One) – go head to head in a crunch match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
With a few "sore" bodies from their 24-9 win over a physical Sharks team in a bruising encounter in Durban at the weekend, the Lions have put a number of players on "light duty".
While star loose forward Jaco Kriel has been cleared after taking a heavy knock to his left arm in Durban (he will take no contact for two days to facility further recovery), there are some concern over other key forwards ahead of the Stormers' arrival.
Lock Andries Ferreira is struggling with a hamstring injury, which was "very tight" on Monday, and they will manage his training.
Prop Julian Redelinghuys is struggling with tight back muscles and will undergo extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, while they will also "manage" his workload this week.
Neither has been ruled out, although both may be subject to late fitness tests.
Veteran centre Lionel Mapoe (rib muscle) will also take no contact in training for two days and will undergo physiotherapy to have him ready to face the Stormers.
Loose forward Jano Venter (right shoulder) will go for an MRI scan this week, while scrumhalf Dillon Smit is in a moon boot as a result of an injury to his right ankle. No time frame has been given for either player's return.
Lions coach Johan Ackermann, who spoke at length about the Stormers impressive forwards, said that while they were "happy" with the win over the Sharks, they are well aware there is still a long way to go.
"There are too many games [remaining], for us to get ahead of ourselves," Ackermann said, as his team stepped up preparations for the encounter with the Stormers.
"It [the victory at the weekend] is one for the books, but it will mean nothing in five or six weeks and we are not there [still in the running].
"We haven't achieved anything yet."
Ackermann described the Stormers as a fine all round team, who will test his team up front – even with Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth still sidelined.
"They have a very good front row," Ackermann said, adding: "They have 
big, physical locks. I know [Eben] Etzebeth is out, but Pieter-Steph du Toit and [Rynard] Elstadt are all physical players.
"They also have loose forwards, who – like our loose forwards – are very good at the breakdown and open play.
"They have a quality backline, with [Damian] de Allende back."
The Lions mentor said they are very happy the encounter with the Stormers is on their home ground, Ellis Park.
"It is going to be a tough game and we will have to plan carefully," he said.
"It is a tough road [in training] to get the guys ready for the big challenge [against the Stormers]."
Lions captain Warren Whiteley also said the team to put the win over the Sharks behind them very quickly.
"It was a crucial game for both sides, but by no means is the competition over," Whiteley said.
"There is still a long way, still a lot of games to be played.
"It is important for us to keep improving.
"We [still] made a lot of errors in the second half, we weren't clinical enough and should have capitalised a bit more."
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