The Golden Lions have welcomed back Springboks Faf de Klerk, Julian Redelinghuys and Malcolm Marx ahead of their Currie Cup semi-final against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

The Lions had eight representatives in the Bok squad, but only De Klerk, Redelinghuys and Marx returned for Currie Cup duty. Warren Whiteley, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Elton Jantjies and Lionel Mapoe have all joined their respective Japanese clubs for the remainder of the season.

Coach Johan Ackermann will also be without the services the injured Howard Mnisi (knee), Courtnall Skosan (groin), Dylan Smith (shoulder), MB Lusaseni (finger) and Ruan Combrinck (leg), who have all failed to recover in time for their trip to Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile locks Lourens Erasmus and Andries Ferreira and wing Sylvian Mahuza have returned to training following their injury niggles and should be available for selection for the semi-final.

Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images