The touring British and Irish Lions, battered and bruised after going down 0-2 in the three-Test series against the Springboks, have lost two more props ahead of the final international in Johannesburg on Saturday.

It was revealed on Sunday that props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones have both been ruled out of the final match of the tour with injuries.

Lions team doctor James Robson said Jenkins suffered a cracked cheekbone in the 25-28 loss to the Springboks in Pretoria at the weekend.

Jones dislocated his shoulder.

Both props underwent surgery in Pretoria on Saturday night.

It was confirmed that five Lions players went to hospital after the game at Loftus Versfeld - which saw the Boks take un unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Centre Brian O'Driscoll (concussion), fellow midfielder Jamie Roberts (wrist) and wing Tommy Bowe (elbow) will all be monitored this coming week before a decision is taken on their availability for the final Test.

Replacement flyhalf Ronan O'Gara was unable to open his left eye on Sunday after suffering a deep cut, which required stitches, but Robson was confident he could recover in time to feature in Johannesburg.

The loss of Jenkins and Jones means the Lions will be without three of their first-choice props.

Earlier in the tour the Lions management called up Ireland's Grand Slam tighthead prop John Hayes as a replacement for the injured Scott Euan Murray, who sprained his right ankle in the midweek win over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.

London Wasps and England loosehead prop Tim Payne was also called into the Lions squad last to provide front

365

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