Lions hit by injury crisis

The Emirates Lions have been hit by an injury crisis ahead of their trip to Singapore to face the Sunwolves, losing inspirational flanker Kwagga Smith and a host of other players in their victory over the Melbourne Rebels.

Smith tore a tendon in his groin during the game and is scheduled to be out for six weeks while there was also bad news for coach Swys de Bruin on the rest of his squad as well.

Prop Dylan Smith has broken a cheekbone and will need facial reconstruction, meaning 8-12 weeks on the sidelines.

"He is seeing a facial surgeon at the moment but it is so long because it is bone and not the soft tissue, and has to heal on the outside," Dr Rob Collins, the team doctor said on Tuesday.

Smith may well also be back quicker because "generally he is a quick healer", according to Dr Collins.

Vincent Tshituka has a concussion but also an ankle injury, the latter which will keep him out for six weeks.

With Kwagga out and Tshituka also on the sidelines, James Venter and Robert Kruger are likely to come into the picture as the Lions are a bit thin at loose forward.

Andries Coetzee won't travel to Singapore with the team either because of a hamstring injury.

"If we were playing at home, he may have been considered, but because we need to make the decision today, we had to make a call," Dr Collins added on Coetzee.

Scrumhalf Dillon Smit injured himself in training last Friday and will be out for between four and six weeks with a hamstring strain.

Despite the injuries there was some good news, with Sylvian Mahuza back from injury and Jacobie Adriaanse passing his concussion protocol, with both likely to be considered for action.

Cyle Brink will be back after the bye week next week, as will prop Johannes Jonker, while captain Warren Whiteley is on schedule to return mid April.