Kriel, Du Plessis to miss Bok tour
Kriel sustained a grade two MCL tear while playing for the Kubota Spears last weekend in Japan.
He will be out of action for up to eight weeks. The 27-year-old has already returned to Johannesburg for treatment.
Kriel is one of several Lions players that linked up with their Japanese teams after being a part of the Springboks squad in this year's Rugby Championship.
Warren Whiteley is currently with NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes. Flyhalf Elton Jantjies is with the NTT Shining Arcs, while Lionel Mapoe also plays for the Kubota Spears. Warwick Tecklenburg, who has not got Springbok colours, is with the Kamaishi Seawaves.
Springbok lock Franco Mostert is currently with the Black Rams and was recently at the centre of a dispute involving French club Lyon.
Lyon announced that they had signed Mostert earlier this year. However, he was still under contract when with the Lions when Lyon made the announcement.
According to World Rugby's regulations, a team can't sign a contract with a player, while he is still under contract with another team.
The experienced Du Plessis has withdrawn from the Springbok squad because of personal reasons. His wife will be giving birth to the couple's third child in early November.
He was due to join the Springboks in London in two weeks' time to prepare for the Test against England at Twickenham on 12 November.
Due to Kriel and Du Plessis' absence, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee on Thursday confirmed that flank Nizaam Carr and prop Lourens Adriaanse will remain with the Springbok squad for the entire Tour as replacements.
"Jannie and I had a good conversation on Wednesday evening and he still has a burning desire to be part of the Springboks. However, due to his current personal circumstances, he, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the squad," said Coetzee.
"Jannie has a wealth of experience, he still has a lot to offer and he stays part of our plans. I want to wish him and his wife well as they are looking forward to welcome a third addition to their family."
Carr, the versatile Western Province loose forward, and the Adriaanse will now stay on with the squad to face England, Italy and Wales on consecutive weekends following next Saturday's match against the Barbarians at Wembley.
Carr made his Springbok debut on November 22, 2014, against Italy in Padova and has two Test caps. Adriaanse has played in four Tests thus far and was a member of the 2016 Rugby Championship squad.
The Springboks will have their final training session on home soil on Friday before flying out to London later that same day.
