The Lions touring party was dealt another blow on Monday with news that three players will be sent home through injury.

Just 24 hours after their humbling at the hands of the Waratahs in Sydney, Lionel Mapoe (medial collateral ligament), Courtnall Skosan (hamstring) and Derick Minnie (concussion) have been put on a plane to South Africa. They will be assessed further upon their arrival.

Coenie van Wyk and Alwyn Hollenbach will be heading the other way to provide cover for the Lions' final tour match against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday, their last chance to win on tour.

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