British and Irish Lions props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones have both been ruled out of next weekend’s third Test against South Africa.
Jenkins suffered a cracked cheekbone in yesterday’s 28-25 defeat to the Springboks and Jones dislocated his shoulder. Both props underwent surgery in Pretoria last night.
Five Lions players went to hospital after the game.
Brian O’Driscoll (concussion), Jamie Roberts (wrist) and Tommy Bowe (elbow) will all be monitored during the week before a decision is taken on their availability for the final Test.
Ronan O’Gara cannot open his left eye this morning after suffering a deep cut, which required stitches, but doctor James Robson is confident he could recover in time to feature in Johannesburg.
Head coach Ian McGeechan confirmed the Lions would not be calling for any replacements.
Jenkins was injured in a clash of heads with Springboks winger Bryan Habana.
Jones left the field at the same time, forcing the introduction of uncontested scrums, after being taken out by Bakkies Botha.
The Springboks lock was cited for the incident.
Robson said: “It certainly was a fairly brutal game.
“As the casualty list goes it is not something I am happy with. To lose two of our most colourful characters in Gethin and Adam is distressing.
“Gethin has had a plastic plate inserted. The timescale for his recovery is six to eight weeks.
“We couldn’t get Adam’s shoulder to pop back in at the stadium and he was required to go to theatre. He will be subject to further investigation and specialist opinion.
“Brian is very much alert and conscious today but he is subject to the usual return to play protocol.”
