Thursday 4 December 2014 14:48, UK
Jean de Villiers has had a successful operation to rebuild the knee he injured during Saturday's defeat to Wales.
The South Africa captain is already a doubt for next year's World Cup after dislocating his left knee and damaging ligaments in his side's final autumn international in Cardiff.
He was able to fly home with the Springboks squad and has now had surgery for a full reconstruction of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments.
South Africa team doctor Craig Roberts said: "The procedure went well, but at this stage it is difficult to determine an exact time-frame for a return to play.
"The use of an artificial graft should speed up his rehabilitation and hopefully increase his chances of making a successful return to the playing field."
De Villiers said: "My focus will now be on the arrival of our third child in the coming days. Thereafter it will be about recovering as soon as possible so I can start with my rehabilitation.
"I still have my sights set on going to next year's Rugby World Cup and will do everything in my power to get to England."
