JAMES Robson described the second Test against South Africa as ‘‘brutal’’ after it left five of the British and Irish Lions in hospital.
Props Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones both had to undergo surgery on Saturday and will miss the third and final Test of the series in Johannesburg this weekend.
Jenkins suffered a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads with Bryan Habana while Jones dislocated his shoulder in a challenge from Bakkies Botha.
The Springboks lock, who relishes his role as second-row enforcer, was subsequently cited for the offence.
Schalk Burger was also charged for ‘‘allegedly attacking the eyes of Luke Fitzgerald’’, although the Lions wing was not seriously injured.
Brian O’Driscoll was replaced early with concussion while Jamie Roberts has a sprained wrist and Tommy Bowe an elbow strain.
Dr Robson said: ‘‘It certainly was a fairly brutal game. As the casualty list goes it is not something I am happy with.
‘‘To lose two of our most colourful characters in Gethin and Adam is distressing.
‘‘Gethin has had a plastic plate inserted. The timescale for his recovery is six to eight weeks.
‘‘We couldn’t get Adam’s shoulder to pop back in at the stadium and he was required to go to theatre. He will be subject to specialist opinion.
‘‘Brian is very much alert and conscious but he is subject to the usual return to play protocol.’’ The Lions will not send for any further replacements ahead of the third Test and will monitor the likes of Bowe and Roberts closely before deciding whether they are fit to feature at Ellis Park.
The squad have been given two days off and the majority of players - apart from the walking wounded who have been kept behind in Pretoria - are going on safari tomorrow.
Along with Jenkins and Jones, Ronan O’Gara is one of those to remain behind after his left eye was forced closed by a nasty cut.
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