If the reappearance of Richard Kriel this past week is anything to go by, then it suggests that the Lions team to face Zebre in the United Rugby Championship this weekend might be on course for a bit of a change-up.
Kriel is back to full fitness after a prolonged injury – he last played for the Joburgers against the Ospreys in March this year – and as such, has yet to make an appearance this season.
The 24-year-old played 16 of the 18 matches during the last campaign, compiling 1 189 game minutes.
He finished the season as one of the tournament’s top 100 players, and the third best wing, according to official statistics.
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Although Lions assistant coach Jaque Fourie cautioned against the dangers the Italian outfit will pose, the fact of the matter is that Leinster in Dublin await next weekend.
The strongest possible team will be required for that clash, begging the question as to whether a bit of man-management will be present in the match-23 for Saturday’s clash in Parma (1.30pm kick-off).
Kriel’s appearance in the Lions’ media briefing earlier this week indicates that his return to action is imminent, most probably at the expense of Rabz Maxwane, who could be rested.
“I haven’t done a lot yet this season as I have only come back from injury now,” Kriel said, “but I am feeling fresh and I am ready to go now.
“Initially,” the utility-back added, to explain his absence, “I didn’t hurt anything during the season. I fixed something in my shoulder.
“It was a small op and I was out for three weeks, but after that, I got an infection. I had to get another operation, and that set me back about four weeks again. With the infection, I only manage to come back now…
“Having been injured for three months, it is time to get back onto the field and play some footie. I am very excited.”
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Head coach Ivan van Rooyen’s team for Zebre in expected wet conditions might have a familiar look at first glance, but there is a degree of depth he can manoeuvre in.
He has preferred a backline consisting of Morné van den Berg and Kade Wolhuter as his halfbacks, with Rynhardt Jonker and Erich Cronjé as his centre pairing.
His outside backs, meanwhile, have picked themselves as Maxwane and the Springbok duo of Quan Horn and Edwill van der Merwe.
A handful of injuries – the most significant to No 10 Wolhuter – have disrupted some of the plans, but overall, it has been a potent unit.
There is, therefore, nothing stopping Van Rooyen in making strategic changes for Zebre.
A backline of Sanele Nohamba, Gianni Lombard, Marius Louw, Henco van Wyk, Kriel, Van der Merwe and Horn, for instance, remains an intriguing and exciting proposition.
Said Kriel: “At the moment the backline is doing so well, and that’s why I am (concerned) a little bit to see if I can even get into the team.
“If I get picked, I will be very happy. Our backline is on fire at the moment, and it is a joy to be a part of it.”
Kriel’s involvement in tough conditions will also aid the Lions’ efforts in combating any kicking game.
Tall in stature and powerful in presence, he could help nullify any advantage if Zebre attempt to bomb the wings with the high ball or opt for territorial play.
The selections upfront, meanwhile, might prove trickier.
Nevertheless, if ever there was an opportunity to start the likes of hooker PJ Botha, props Heiko Pohlmann and Conraad van Vuuren and loose forwards Ruan Delport and Renzo du Plessis – with the incumbents on the bench – it would probably be at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, with all due respect to Zebre.
The Lions are currently third in the URC standings, while their host are last, despite spectacularly beating Munster a fortnight ago.
Keeping winning momentum is important, but so too the health and morale of the squad.
This could be the weekend to achieve both of those objectives for the Johannesburg outfit.