Assistant coach Joey Mongalo says Springbok trio Elton Jantjies, Lionel Mapoe and Aphiwe Dyantyi will be utilised in the Golden Lions’ must-win game against the Pumas on Friday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.

SA Rugby confirmed on Tuesday that the Springbok management team has released Jantjies, Mapoe and Dyantyi to the Lions for Currie Cup duty this weekend.

Mongalo has since told SARugbymag.co.za that the trio will ‘definitely’ be employed in the crucial game against the Pumas in Nelspruit, likening the players’ return to that of sons coming home to their family after being away for work.

‘They’ll definitely be part of the match-day squad,’ he said. ‘They are all excited to be back and will add a lot of value to our team.

‘We’re very much a family environment and it’s like welcoming back sons that have been away. They’ve done a great job with the Springboks, but we are happy to have them back in our camp.’

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The Lions are currently in fourth position on the log, four points clear of the chasing Pumas. That means their match in the last round of the regular season will be a shootout for a spot in the semi-finals.

Mongalo believes selecting the right combinations for such a defining clash will be key.

‘In terms of players, probably the squad wins intense games and not so much individual performances. So it’s more about us getting our combinations right. It’s about a team performance and good combinations.’

Photo: Lions Rugby Company