Lions in disarray with injuries piling up

The Lions’ woes are not confined to the scoreboard after both their Super Rugby and SuperSport Challenge teams went down to the Sharks in consecutive games in Durban at the weekend.

Three frontline players are on the injured list after the Lions lost their Super Rugby game 3124 to the Sharks, while a further two were injured in the Challenge game where the Golden Lions were hammered 55-12 by the Sharks XV in the quarterfinals.

According to the Lions medical team, prop Dylan Smith (pictured) picked up a grade 1 calf strain, lock Marvin Orie suffered concussion and flyhalf Elton Jantjies – who was brilliant in Durban – has a rib injury.

In the challenge match wing Sylvian Mahuza suffered a grade 1 adductor strain (hip), while looseforward Len Massyn picked up a grade 2 ankle injury.

While the medical report stated that with the exception of Massyn, all “should be fit next week” it should nonetheless give the Lions a few sleepless nights preparing for their must-win game next weekend at Ellis Park against the Bulls.

They have a bye this week ahead of their Jukskei Derby that could signal the end of an era for nine stars in the Lions den if they fail to secure a home play-off.

Prop Ruan Dreyer has already joined Gloucester, a club the Lions are trying to fight for lock Franco Mostert’s services, while prop Jacques van Rooyen has been linked with a move to Bath and fullback Andries Coetzee to the Sale Sharks, Gloucester or Toulon.

Flank Cyle Brink’s name has been linked with the Bulls, Jantjies with Perpignan, while centre Lionel Mapoe has also not extended his Lions contract yet ahead of returning to Japan.

Flank Jaco Kriel and centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg, who are both out injured and have already played their last match for the Lions, have joined Gloucester and the Sale Sharks respectively.