Wednesday 3 December 2014 15:15, UK
South African captain Jean de Villiers will require surgery on his injured left knee and faces a race against time to be fit for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
De Villiers left the field in the 58th minute of the Springboks’ final Test of the season, last Saturday against Wales in Cardiff, after twisting his knee and dislocating his kneecap while competing for the ball at a ruck.
It’s imperative the best course of action is decided on so Jean can start recovery and rehabilitation as soon as possible to give him the best chance to be fit for the World Cup.
The 33-year-old returned to South Africa on Monday and was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon in Cape Town, who advised the Springbok centre requires surgical reconstruction of the knee.
Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts predicts de Villiers’ recovery will take at least eight months which makes him a doubt for South Africa’s opening World Cup game against Japan on September 19.
“We are currently consulting with the best specialists in South Africa to determine the best way to approach the surgery as there are potentially a few options available,” said Roberts.
“It’s imperative that the best course of action is decided on so that Jean can start recovery and rehabilitation as soon as possible to give him the best chance to be fit for the World Cup.
“At this stage it’s still difficult to determine how long he will be out of action, but it would probably be at least eight months.”
De Villiers has won 106 caps for the Springboks – tied with Bryan Habana for third-most of all time – and his absence would be a huge blow to South Africa’s hopes of winning the Webb Ellis Trophy for a third time.
