The Lions await news on star centre Henco van Wyk as they prepare for a brutal derby against the Sharks in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Friday.

Van Wyk suffered an elbow injury in a wild shootout against French Top 14 side Stade Francais at Ellis Park on Friday night as the Lions clinched their maiden Challenge Cup victory.

The Joburgers are already without injured prop Ruan Dreyer, and head coach Ivan van Rooyen will be sweating the availability of Van Wyk, who has exploded onto the scene in the 2022-23 URC.

“Henco is not a guy who will just come off the field if he is hurt,” Van Rooyen said. “It is an elbow injury but we don’t know how serious it is until the next 48 [hours].”

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Meanwhile, the Lions boss was pleased with the win against Stade Francais, before The Pride turn their attention back to the URC and a looming trip to Durban to take on the Sharks.

“They [Stade Francais] probably didn’t bring their whole arsenal, but it was still a strong team. Five points against Stade Francais, we’ll take that any day,” he added.

“The game was see-sawing throughout, with momentum going for us and against us. The guys gained valuable experience.

“There are things to fix but I’m excited about where we are and where we’re going.”

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