Gianni Lombard of the Lions flanked by Marvin Orie (4), Elton Jantjies Sti Sithole (17)JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 16: during the Super Rugby match between Emirates Lions and Rebels at Emirates Airline Park on March 16, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images)
As if the Lions haven’t already been dealt enough knocks, they suffered another big setback with the news that star young flyhalf Gianni Lombard’s Super Rugby season is over.
Lombard, a former SA U20 star, injured his knee on the Lions’ recent tour of Australasia in the win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Lions confirmed on Tuesday that Lombard’s injury has an ACL rupture and two separate tears.
It’s little wonder the estimated recovery period is nine months.
Lombard has been highly promising to date.
He kicked a pressure penalty at the death to secure a comeback victory over the Rebels at Ellis Park and combined well with Elton Jantjies, who played centre on the day, against the Chiefs.
The Lions also confirmed that there is doubt over captain Warren Whiteley, wing Sylvian Mahuza and flank Cyle Brink ahead of their next match against the Waratahs at Ellis Park on May 11.
Team management said they ‘are awaiting results’ without specifying the nature of the injuries.
The Lions have a bye this week.
They are currently in 9th position overall and bottom of the SA Conference but their 22 points is only four points behind the leading Sharks’ 26, followed by the Bulls on 24 and both the Stormers and Jaguares on 23.
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