RUGBY NEWS - The return of Ruan Combrinck for the Lions following his long-term injury is significant.
Last year’s Super Rugby runners-up’s form has been distinctly patchy as they’ve lost three of their last four matches, rendering Saturday’s derby against the Stormers important in helping them establish a comfortable buffer in the South African conference again.
The sheer presence of the 27-year-old adds to the Lions’ arsenal already but his vast range of skills really is impressive.
Here’s why the men from Ellis Park are gleefully welcoming him back.
His kicking ability is a rarity in this side
It sounds rather crude but when the Lions go for touch or launch a tactical kick, they can only use left-footed kickers because they are the only players present.
Indeed, flyhalf Elton Jantjies and Andries Coetzee have had to have their wits about them in adapting, especially since they’ve sometimes had to adapt to some difficult angles to kick from.
Combrinck is a right-footer.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to add things up.
“He’s got a brilliant right foot,” said Lions coach Swys de Bruin.
“We’ve had a bunch of left-footers to date. He can help us exploit other angles with his boot.”
