Morne van den Berg set to boost Lions on return from Springbok duty

According to Lions assistant coach Barend Pieterse, Van den Berg linked up with the team in Italy on Tuesday and even managed to beat them to the punch.

"Krappie actually arrived before the rest of us," Pieterse said. "He's looking sharp and refreshed. There's a real buzz around him - he's brought great energy and some new insights from his time with the Springboks. It's fantastic to have him back in the mix."

Nico Steyn has started the past two matches against Cardiff and Zebre, with Junior Bok sensation Haashim Pead providing backup from the bench. However, Van den Berg's return could deliver the injection of quality the Lions need to reignite their season and chase a first victory of the campaign.

The 27-year-old has hit the ground running in his Test career, crossing for three tries in four appearances for South Africa - the most recent in the 67-30 rout of Argentina during last month's Rugby Championship.

The Lions opened their URC campaign with back-to-back losses away from home, going down 33-20 to Cardiff in Wales before an agonising 22-20 loss against Zebre in Parma.

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