Jaco Kriel (Gallo Images)

• Lions favourite Jaco Kriel is one step closer to a long-awaited return in franchise colours.
• Their stock at loose forward will be further bolstered by the recovery of Vince Tshituka.
• Medical testing will dominate this week’s return to training protocol.

Lions supporters’ longing to see Jaco Kriel back on the field would’ve been encouraged by the franchise’s latest medical update.

The dynamic 30-year-old flanker’s return since re-joining the team in February has been delayed by a long-term ankle injury as well as the suspension of Super Rugby.

Yet as the country’s professional outfits return to training this week, Kriel will be in the thick of things – relatively speaking of course.

The Lions’ medical staff have cleared him for agility training, which broadly entails that he can start doing footwork and change of direction drills, all exercises that will put pressure on his ankle.

The prospect of Kriel becoming eligible for selection again is a major boost for the franchise as they’ve battled in 2020 to find their feet in a definitive period of transition.

Inexperienced head coach Cash van Rooyen and his staff only managed one victory from six starts in this year’s campaign.

Kriel last month told Sport24 that he has no immediate thoughts on a Springbok recall, instead focusing on his long-term fitness and providing much-needed experience for a young squad.

The Lions’ punching power in the loose trio will also be boosted by Vince Tshituka having recovered from ankle surgery too.

The 21-year-old is one of the squad’s few options on the blindside flank and his improving defence could be useful.

His presence would also make team management breathe easier about not having to overplay veteran Willem Alberts.

Robust lock Rhyno Herbst is also on the mend after shoulder surgery.

Meanwhile, the Lions – like their counterparts – will predominantly be engaged in medical testing.

– Compiled by Sport24 Staff