Kwagga Smith of Lions during the Super Rugby match between Stormers and Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. PHOTO: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

Kwagga Smith of Lions during the Super Rugby match between Stormers and Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. PHOTO: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

Lions struck a hammer blow with Kwagga Smith injury

Another of the Lions’ Spider-Men doesn’t ‘feel too good Mr Stark’ as Kwagga Smith is ruled out of Super Rugby action for six weeks.

Kwagga Smith of Lions during the Super Rugby match between Stormers and Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. PHOTO: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

Kwagga Smith of Lions during the Super Rugby match between Stormers and Lions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. PHOTO: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images

Lions Flank Kwagga Smith has been ruled out for six weeks after picking up an injury during the victory over the Rebels.

The former Sevens star had made an encouraging start to a bid to be included in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ World Cup plans but a groin injury has dealt those hopes a serious blow.

22-year-old James Venter looks like to replace Smith but shift to the side of the Lions scrum but it is unclear who might pack down on the other side.

The Lions are suffering from a loose forward crisis of sorts with skipper Warren Whiteley a long term absentee and young flank Vincent Tshituka also ruled out for four-six weeks with an ankle issue.

It is likely to be either Marnus Schoeman or Hacjivah Dayimani, if the speedy loose forward is not deployed at number eight which appears most likely.

The Lions will also make the trip to Singapore on Wednesday without prop Dylan Smith who is out for the next eight weeks after suffering a broken cheekbone while fullback; Andries Coetzee will not make the trip as he struggles with a tight hamstring.

The table-topping Lions have a catalogue of long term injuries with scurmhalf Dillon Smit out for six weeks with a hamstring strain as well.

Team doctor Rob Collins said that the number of injuries were not a great concern to him ad he expressed the belief that Smith will be back sooner than the six week time frame laid out.

Collins said: “The number of guys out now compared to most seasons is about the same.

“We’ve almost just cleared our injury list and now we have a few more injuries. It is a normal amount of injuries. It is not a huge concern for me.

“He [Kwagga Smith] is a quick healer. It might be quicker than that [six weeks].”

Kick-off on Saturday is 12:55 (SA time).