Lions fret over Cronje

Cape Town - Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronje could be sidelined for an extended period after breaking his nose in their pre-season friendly against the Bulls in Polokwane at the weekend.

Coach Johan Ackermann told IOL that is a “really bad break” and that Cronje will visit a specialist on Monday to determine if surgery is required.

In case of surgery, Cronje would be ruled of for eight weeks.

The Lions open their Super Rugby campaign away to the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday, February 27.

Faf de Klerk is now likely to wear the No 9 jersey at the start of the Lions' Super Rugby campaign, while Ricky Schroeder could come into the squad.