Golden Lions centre Howard Mnisi and prop Dylan Smith have been ruled out of the Currie Cup semi-final against the Cheetahs next week.

Smith underwent surgery to his shoulder on Wednesday. The loosehead is expected to be fit ahead of the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Mnisi has sustained a knee injury and will be sidelined for four to six weeks.

The good news for the Lions is that lock Lourens Erasmus returned to training this week after recovering from a side strain.

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