Lions' Springbok star Kriel suffers surgery setback

The Lions’ Springbok flanker Jaco Kriel faces an extended stay on the sideline.

The Lions revealed that ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’ the shoulder surgery the star loose forward underwent was ‘unsuccessful’.

He is set for another round of surgery and is expected to be sidelined for another six months.

The 28-year-old, capped 11 times for South Africa, suffered the injury in the Rugby Championship Test against Australia in Perth on September 9 last year.

He underwent surgery almost immediately and was expected to miss only a few rounds of Super Rugby.

“Jaco should return by the end of February,” Lions coach Swys de Bruin told rugby365 in an interview earlier this year.

However, he now requires a second round of surgery and could be sidelined for the rest of the season – which means he will also miss the England Test series.

It is a massive blow to the Lions, who have are currently at the top of the Super Rugby standings – after three comfortable wins against the Sharks (26-19), Jaguares (47-27) and Bulls (49-35).

However, the team does have enough depth to cope with the setback.

The preferred loose trio in the opening rounds was Albertus Smith, Cyle Brink and captain Warren Whiteley.

Regular lock Franco Mostert showed against the Bulls last weekend that he can do a fine job at blindside flanker, while the Lions also have adequate cover in Marnus Schoeman and Hacjivah Dayimani.

Courtesy of @rugby365