Ackermann boosted by returning Lions for Cheetahs

Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has been given a boost for this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs as four returning players have all been cleared to play.

Winger Mark Richards (concussion), Courtnall Skosan (ankle), Sampie Mastriet (ankle) and Stokkies Hanekom (knee) have all been cleared and are available for selection for either the Lions or Golden Lions teams.

Unfortunately Malcolm Marx (ankle), Steph de Wit (shoulder), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (ankle) and Martin Muller (calf) are all unavailable for selection this week but are still involved in intensive recovery programmes and are making progress.

The Lions had a bye last week but have won their last four matches which is the longest of the current winning streaks in Super Rugby as the Hurricanes streak was ended by the Waratahs on the weekend.

The Lions are in eighth place while the Cheetahs are down in 12th place.