Injury crisis rocks Lions

LISTEN as Lions team doctor Rob Collins reveals the long list of casualties ahead of their Super Rugby Round Six match against the Sunwolves in Singapore on Saturday.

Collins revealed that prop Dylan Smith broke a cheekbone during the Lions 36-33 come-from-behind victory over the Rebels last Saturday and he will be out of action for eight to twelve weeks.

“Dylan [Smith] is seeing the Maxillo-Facial surgeon and that’s probably around eight to 12 weeks,” the doctor explained.

Flank Vincent Tshituka will not be travelling with the team to Singapore, after suffering a concussion and an ankle injury during last Saturday’s game.

He is expected to be back in the selection frame in six weeks.

Another blow for the Lions is loose forward Albertus Smith, who tore a groin tendon against the Rebels.

He is expected to be back on the playing field win six weeks.

Collins revealed that fullback Andries Coetzee injured his hamstring.

However, this is not expected to be a long term injury – with Coetzee sidelined as a precautionary measure.

Scrumhalf Dillon Smit took a knock in training last Friday and will only be available for selection again in the next four to six weeks.

The Lions have been boosted by the return from injury of utility back Sylvian Mahuza.

Prop Jacobie Adriaanse passed a concussion test and he is also in the selection frame for the game against the Sunwolves on Saturday.

Collins added that captain and No.8 Warren Whiteley, who tore his pectoral muscle during the Lions 17-19 Round Two loss to the Stormers in Cape Town in February, is making good progress and is expected to be back in April – when the Lions embark on their Australasia tour.

“It’s quite a major injury,” the doctor said, adding that part of the muscle was torn from the tendon.

“Warren should probably be back around the middle of our tour – so that’s the middle of April,” said Collins.

Flank Cyle Brink is expected to return to action for the Lions game against the Sharks in the first week of April, along with prop Johannes Jonker.

By Josh Isaacson
@isaacson_j
@rugby365com

#InjuryReport | @SmithKwagga groin tendon injury (6 wks), Vincent Tshituka, concussion & ankle (6 wks), @Dy1Smith fractured cheek bone (8-12 wks), Dillon Smit, hamstring (4-6 wks). @AndriesC_Lions hamstring (1wk). Sylvian Mahuza & Jacobie Adriaanse back this week.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/xSCRIKChGZ

— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) March 19, 2019