Lions receive a boost

URC: FLYHALF SMITH RETURNS AFTER CONCUSSION FROM CURRIE CUP FINAL

- Ross Roche

(CHRIS SMITH Picture: Backpagepix)

The Lions have received a significant injury boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship (URC) rumble against Zebre in Parma on Sunday afternoon, with a number of players returning from injury and available for selection.

Former Bulls flyhalf Chris Smith, who has made a strong start to his Lions career with some solid performances in the Currie Cup, is back after being concussed in their final loss against Griquas which ruled him out of their poor 33-20 defeat to Cardiff in their opening URC game of the season.

Big No 8 Francke Horn is another major player in line to return, although it hasn’t been decided yet if he will feature against Zebre or next week against Benetton.

Lions assistant coach Jaque Fourie explained the injury situation in a press conference yesterday, admitting they were happy to have some important players back.