Johan Ackermann has lost three key players ahead of the weekend’s final Super Rugby tour match, against the Force in Perth.
Backs Lionel Mapoe and Courtnall Skosaan both suffered medial collateral knee ligament injuries during Sunday’s loss to the Waratahs, while loose forward Derrick Minnie sustained a concussion.
All three have returned to South Africa.
The Lions have summoned only two replacements, with backs Coenie van Wyk and Alwyn Hollenbach on their way to join the squad.

Jeez, these guys cant catch a break.
Ive got a feeling they will give the Force a run for their money
@West Indies Cricket Board (Comment 2) : could be as the Force has to travel back to OZ, but i would not place any money on the Lions. Could be fun to here the SuperSport guys explane how the Lions won in OZ but Bulls and Stormers could not.
Is it just me or is Lionel Mapoe constantly injured?
@vanmartin (Comment 4) : yes he’s injured more than certain other players who shall remains nameless in this comment.
Well we lost locks MB Lusaseni and Martin Muller too. Stephan de Witt has been flown in as cover
@Mutley (Comment 6) : do they have any players left to play the Force?
@JD (Comment 7) : Who knows. As long as oupa van Rensburg and Cant tackle Botha stay away
@Mutley (Comment 8) : at least it’s the last tour match before heading home. Maybe time to give some of the Vodacom cup side that played in the final exposure to the big time?
@JD (Comment 9) : It would be good to give them some exposure. The Lions have got the talent they just can not keep it.
@Mutley (Comment 10) : maybe now that they will play Super rugby next year the players will stay?!
@JD (Comment 11) : I hope so, but the Lions Super Rugby team is still without a title sponsor (+-R15 Million per year) and limited funds I do not know how we will survive
@Mutley (Comment 12) : ja it’s bad to lose that amount of money. The powers that be in (SA rugby) really screwed the Lions.
@JD (Comment 13) : I’m all for giving the Kings a shot but the way all these things happened that’s what made me angry. If they beat the Lions in a promotion/relegation match that’s all the right rugby reasons but like just like what happened with the Griquas the Kings got promoted because of political reasons