Whiteley out of Super Rugby
Whiteley injured his right AC joint (shoulder) in the Test in Port Elizabeth, which the Springboks won 19-13. A MRI scan on Monday confirmed a grade three injury.
The specialist confirmed on Tuesday that he doesn't require surgery yet, but should be back to play in about six weeks.
Whiteley first injured his shoulder in the the second half of the second Test in Johannesburg.
Whiteley played off the bench in in the Springboks' first two Tests against Ireland before getting a starting berth in the third Test.
Jaco Kriel will captain the side until such time as Whiteley is back in action.
Kriel has a lot of experience as he captain. The 26-year-old flank captained the team during last year's Currie Cup, which the Golden Lions won after going though the tournament unbeaten.
The Lions are not the only South African team entering the final phase of Super Rugby without their regular captain.
The Stormers are without their co-captains, Juan de Jongh and Frans Malherbe. De Jongh is on Springbok Sevens duty, while Malherbe is out of action for two to three weeks after suffering a neck injury in the third Test against Ireland.
The Bulls opted to 'rest' Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss as they head to Argentina for a crucial match against the Jaguares.
Sharks captain Patrick Lambie could also miss his team's clash with the Lions this weekend. The flyhalf is recovering from concussion after being knocked out by Ireland flank CJ Stander at Newlands a few weeks ago.
