02/03/2008 22:43

Pieter Jordaan

Bloemfontein - After losing their first three matches in this year's Super 14 competition, the Cheetahs are now without three key players for their rugby tour of Australasia.

Juan Smith, the team's captain, could be out of action for as long as a month after suffering a knee injury against the Blues on Saturday.

Scheduled to play the Chiefs and the Crusaders in New Zealand and the Brumbies and the Waratahs in Australia, the Cheetahs will also be without flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter, who has a groin injury, and veteran wing Gavin Passens, who has torn a hamstring.

Lock Rory Duncan will captain the team on tour.

Hendro Scholtz, Tobie Botes and Jongo Nokwe have been called up to replace the injured trio.

Team doctor Org Strauss said: "Juan damaged ligaments in his knee but won't need surgery.

"He will be out for about four weeks."

Potgieter started training only last Thursday for the match against the Blues but has now been diagnosed with a tear in the groin and will be unable to play for about three weeks.

Passens should also be fit again by the time the Cheetahs return.