Lions suffer Nic Groom blow ahead of quarter-finals

Lions have been dealt a blow ahead of their Super Rugby quarter-final clash against Jaguares at Emirates Airlines Park with scrum-half Nic Groom ruled of the remainder of the season following an injury.

Groom sustained a hand injury in the opening stage of the game against Bulls last weekend which Lions went on to win 38-12 and will now require a surgery.

The 28-year-old's place in the starting XV is expected to be taken by Ross Cronje as Lions look to progress to the semi-finals with a win in the Saturday's game.

Lions had a productive season after they finished the group stage as the top ranked South African side with nine wins from 16 games.