Lions flyhalf Gianni Lombard will return home after suffering a knee injury in their victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Lombard was forced off the field in the second half of the Lions’ second tour match, which they went on to win 23-17.

Once back in South Africa, the 21-year-old will undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury.

It comes as a blow for the youngster. He dovetailed excellently with Elton Jantjies, who started in the midfield in Hamilton.

Two players, Shaun Reynolds and Jan-Henning Campher, will depart for New Zealand on Saturday evening as backups.

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