Warren Whiteley has been ruled out of action for six weeks after suffering a shoulder injury in Port Elizabeth.

The Lions captain injured his right AC joint during the Springboks' third Test win against Ireland, with an MRI scan on Monday confirming a grade-three injury.

The specialist said on Tuesday that Whiteley doesn't yet require surgery and should be ready to return to the field in mid-August. The Boks' first Rugby Championship match is against Argentina on 20 August.

Jaco Kriel will captain the Lions in Whiteley's absence.

Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix