SPRINGBOK outhalf Ruan Pienaar has been ruled out for two to three weeks after injuring his ankle, but should be fit to face the visiting Lions, his doctor said yesterday.

Pienaar suffered the injury while playing for the Sharks in a Super 14 match against the Bulls on Saturday.

“He has suffered a grade two sprain of his ankle ligaments. He had a scan today on the ankle and there is no other damage, which is good news,” team doctor Craig Roberts said.

“It looks like he will be out for two to three weeks, which is good news as he should be alright for the Lions series.”

Pienaar represented the Springboks the last time they played, against England last November, and is expected to be at outhalf, fitness permitting, for the three-match Test series, with the first Test in Durban on June 30th.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers will be hoping Pienaar makes a full recovery, as a possible replacement, World Cup-winning outhalf Butch James, suffered a long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury to his knee while playing for Bath in April.

Pienaar, who made his South Africa debut against the All Blacks in 2006, has represented his country in 27 Tests, scoring 62 points with five tries.