Double blow for victorious Lions
The Lions paid a dear price for their 21-20 victory over the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby return at the weekend.
Two key players – scrumhalf Michael Bondesio and midfielder Lionel Mapoe – will be sidelined for the next six weeks.
Bondesio was a late withdrawal from the match in Bloemfontein, after he sustained a grade two quad strain in the captain's run last Friday.
He will be out of action for approximately six weeks.
Mapoe strained his right hamstring during the match that marked the men from Johannesburg's return to Super Rugby. He will also be out for up to six weeks.
On the flipside there is two players returning from injury.
Anthony Volmink and Elton Jantjies (both shoulder surgery in the off-season) continue to make solid progress.
However, they won't feature in the Round Two Super Rugby encounter with the Stormers in Johannesburg on Saturday.
They will be eased back in the Golden Lions Vodacom Cup warm-up game against the Pumas.