Welsh props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones are out of the third and final Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Jenkins had to undergo surgery in Pretoria last night after fracturing his right cheek bone in a clash of heads with Bryan Habana at the start of the second half at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. He will be out of action for up to eight weeks.
Jones dislocated his right shoulder after being charged by Bakkies Botha at a ruck in the second half. He also went to hospital where he had his shoulder put back into place under anesthetic. He will also be out for some time and will see a specialist on his return to find the full extent of the damage.
Centres Jamie Roberts and Brian O’Driscoll also went to hospital, along with Tommy Bowe and face a race against time to recover for the third Test. Roberts damaged his right wrist, although X-Rays showed there is no fracture.
His strain will be subject to further investigation as the week goes on. O’Driscoll, who took two big hits on his head in clashes with Habana and Danie Roussouw, was alert and well on the morning after the game. The severity of his concussion, and the time it takes him to recover, will now be subject to tests and examination by a neuro surgeon.
It is still possible he could be passed fit to play on Saturday, while fellow Irish Grand Slammers Bowe and Ronan O’Gara are also hoping to be passed fit. Bowe strained his left elbow , while O’Gara had stitches put into a deep cut on his left eye which bled into the eye.
Like Jenkins, he is staying behind in Pretoria to rest while the rest of the players take a two day safari break to re-charge their batteries ahead of the final game.
