At this stage it’s still a fifty-fifty call as to whether or not the influential player will be fit for the game as he is still busy nursing a shoulder injury.

The Cheetahs do have the luxury of being able to call on players such as Cohen Jasper and Malcolm Jaer, while Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn are no strangers to the number 15 jersey either. It is, however, very unlikely that the coach, Hawies Fourie, would opt to move either of the Springboks to the last line of defence.

Lions assistant coach, Wessel Roux, told OFM Sport that Blommetjies is always a threat.

“Clayton is an awesome player," said the former Bulls front-rower.

“He can counterattack from anywhere and he can create magic from anywhere.

“When I started coaching at the Bulls in 2008 or 2009, Clayton was the under-19 fullback, so I know him well. He is a great guy.

“He is a really big attacking threat and create magic from anywhere on the field.”

Meanwhile, the Springbok winger, Rosko Specman, is battling with a foot niggle, but it is expected that he will be fit to play.

Fourie will name his side for the match on Thursday morning.

Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 17:00.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport