Lions suffer La Grange three month injury blow

The Lions have suffered a blow in their backline as centre and vice-captain Doppies la Grange has been ruled out for up to three months of Super Rugby.

La Grange had surgery on his elbow on Monday which could rule him out of action for three months.

The vice captain was forced from the field in the 64th minute of the Lions match against the Stormers on Saturday at Coca-Cola Park.

The loss of La Grange means that the Lions depth at centre has all but been exhausted with all of the other centres picking up injuries in either recent matches of pre-season matches.

Out of Alwyn Hollenbach, Waylon Murray and Dylan des Fountain only Hollenbach does not have a long-term injury.

The Lions will most likely keep fullback Jaco Taute at centre where he played against the Stormers or youngster Ruan Combrinck who came off the bench could find he will be getting a lot of game time soon.

Another option now that Elton Jantjies looks likely to face the Crusaders this weekend is to play Butch James at centre as he has experience in the position.

The Lions did get some good news from the injury camp this week as scrum half Michael Bondesio looks like he may have recovered from a thigh injury and Lions captain Josh Strauss despite concussion fears.