The Lions’ injury-time Currie Cup final defeat has come at an extra cost.
The team will be without their solid and reliable flyhalf for Friday night’s Vodacom URC opener against Cardiff in Wales.
Chris Smith was concussed after attempting a tackle on a Griquas player early in the second half. According to Lions CEO Rudolph Straeuli, he’ll be out of contention for 12 days.
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Smith may be fit again for the clash against Zebre on 4 October, although it still remains to be seen if the Lions will push him for that match.
This could pave the way for the promising Lubabalo Dobela to stake a claim on the number 10 jersey in Smith’s absence, although coach Ivan van Rooyen has some other options he could try.
But Dobela would be hard to ignore given his performances especially in the early part of the Lions’ Currie Cup campaign. He also kicked what looked to be the winning penalty in the final on Saturday under massive pressure.
The Lions start their URC challenge with three away matches against Cardiff, Zebre and Benetton before returning to Ellis Park for two consecutive home games.
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
