Tshituka's 'tricky' red card ban adds loose trio headache for Lions in unlikely chase for URC top 8

Emmanuel Tshituka's "tricky" red card, given in a sterling Challenge Cup win over Racing 92 and consequently translating into a three-week ban, has now become thoroughly problematic for the Lions ahead of Saturday's URC meeting with a youthful but talented Leinster combination.

The imposing 22-year-old utility forward has grown in stature as part of a potent loose trio that also includes Ruan Venter and Francke Horn, but his absence has robbed the side of a dynamic ball-carrier.

And with Venter expected to miss the Leinster meeting due to suspected concussion sustained early in last weekend's Challenge Cup defeat to Glasgow, the men from Doornfontein could lack presence in collisions.

Head coach Ivan van Rooyen admitted the gifted 20-year-old is the Lions' main creator of momentum because of his unflinching physicality.

Opinion is still divided on Tshituka's sanction. Former Springbok star and television pundit Schalk Burger, who was initially critical of the on-field decision, admits that he is still unsure about the decision, although it followed the letter of the law.

READ | Gutsy Lions reminded of a specific Super Rugby lesson after disappointing European exit

"With Emmanuel, it's so tricky to determine whether there was separation with the elbow or not," Burger told a media roundtable.

"That’s what he got done for, just lifting his elbow up a bit. If the tackler was low, he would’ve squashed him and would’ve stayed down on him, but because the tackler jumped up, you sort of lead with the elbow. 

"Look, with today's laws, it's a red card. But I guess what we've all got is the players are guilty first and foremost and a red card is the entry level. Then you have to rely on the ref and the TMO to determine how does one find a