Johannesburg – Herkie Kruger is set to retain the Lions’ No 10 jersey for Saturday’s important Currie Cup clash against Western Province in Cape Town.

Kruger, who is usually a consistent flyhalf, struggled in the weekend’s 19-30 defeat to the Sharks and did not exert the influence his team had expected off him.

However, coach Hans Coetzee is set to stick with Kruger and most of the players that fell short against the Sharks.

“Apart from the tries we conceded and our play in the lineouts, I think we performed quite well against the Sharks’ Coetzee said after Tuesday’s training session.

“Apart from Herkie, there are a few players who did not have their best games. Herkie still defended well and one should bear in mind that it was the first time that he and Doppies la Grange (inside centre) had played together as a combination. That created some problems with communication.”

Coetzee’s other options were to pick either the unpredictable Earl Rose or the inexperienced Ruan Boshoff.

Kruger and fullback Rose worked on their place kicking after Tuesday’s training session, while Marius Hurter (scrum coach) and Balie Swart (from Jake White’s Winning Way) worked on the scrums.

They had to train without tighthead prop Gert Muller. He was feeling a little ill and was sent home by team management.

Muller’s recovery is important as the Lions have a stronger scrum with him there and WP have also improved significantly in that area.

If Muller does not recover in time, his place will be taken by Kevin Buys.

The Lions pack is in for a stern test as players such as flank Cobus Grobbelaar (shoulder) and lock Nico Luus (back) also could not train fully on Tuesday. Coetzee, however, is confident that Grobbelaar will recover in time.

Province have Luke Watson back in their starting line-up after he missed their clash against Boland with flu. Grobbelaar’s presence is therefore important to combat Watson at the breakdowns.

The match could be a watershed for the Lions as the top teams are set to be on around 25 points after the first round.

The Lions currently stand on 15 points and a loss to WP will heap further pressure on them.