Cape Town - Lions star flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been ruled out of action for between three and four weeks after fracturing his finger.
The Lions confirmed on Monday that Jantjies will undergo an operation on Tuesday.
Jantjies has been the standout South African No 10 this Super Rugby season, leading his franchise to top spot in the South African Group.
In addition to missing Saturday's clash against the Bulls in Pretoria, Jantjies' absence will come as a massive blow to new Springbok coach Allister Coetzee who will name his first Springboks squad after the match.
The Springboks are scheduled to face Ireland in the first of three Tests on June 11 at Newlands, followed by clashes at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (June 18) and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth (June 25).
With Jantjies likely to be sidelined for the first two Tests at the very least, we're likely to next see him in action for the Lions' three-match run-in to the Super Rugby season, starting with a home battle against the Sharks on July 2.