CAPTAIN Jean de Villiers has told his Springbok teammates that the "team comes first" and that they must carry on with their goal of winning the 2015 World Cup after his dream of playing was left in doubt.
De Villiers sustained a horrific knee injury in the 58th minute of Saturday's 12-6 defeat to Wales at the Millennium Stadium. It is so severe that the chances of him playing again are slim.
De Villiers, who ironically nearly pulled out of the match on Thursday because there was a possibility that his wife would go into labour with their third child, now faces massive surgery and rehabilitation.
"The scans revealed significant ligament damage to the inside of his knee and the supporting muscles," said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
"Jean will return to South Africa and see an orthopaedic specialist in Cape Town early in the week. He has had previous surgery on this knee and the further management of the injury is dependent upon the specialist's recommendations."
In addition to a dislocated kneecap and torn medial and cruciate ligaments, De Villiers also tore his hamstring. It's a disastrous catalogue of injuries for the 33-year-old to overcome in time to lead the Boks at the World Cup.
De Villiers was taken to hospital on Saturday night but returned on crutches and in time to join his despondent teammates for their traditional fines meeting.
"Jean is an unbelievable asset to the team and losing him is a huge blow," coach Heyneke Meyer said.
"He said last night that it is not about him, but about the team and they must go on. But emotionally is a huge setback not only for him, but for me as well."
Springbok skipper De Villiers tries to put on a brave face
CAPTAIN Jean de Villiers has told his Springbok teammates that the "team comes first" and that they must carry on with their goal of winning the 2015 World Cup after his dream of playing was left in doubt.
De Villiers sustained a horrific knee injury in the 58th minute of Saturday's 12-6 defeat to Wales at the Millennium Stadium. It is so severe that the chances of him playing again are slim.
De Villiers, who ironically nearly pulled out of the match on Thursday because there was a possibility that his wife would go into labour with their third child, now faces massive surgery and rehabilitation.
"The scans revealed significant ligament damage to the inside of his knee and the supporting muscles," said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts.
"Jean will return to South Africa and see an orthopaedic specialist in Cape Town early in the week. He has had previous surgery on this knee and the further management of the injury is dependent upon the specialist's recommendations."
In addition to a dislocated kneecap and torn medial and cruciate ligaments, De Villiers also tore his hamstring. It's a disastrous catalogue of injuries for the 33-year-old to overcome in time to lead the Boks at the World Cup.
De Villiers was taken to hospital on Saturday night but returned on crutches and in time to join his despondent teammates for their traditional fines meeting.
"Jean is an unbelievable asset to the team and losing him is a huge blow," coach Heyneke Meyer said.
"He said last night that it is not about him, but about the team and they must go on. But emotionally is a huge setback not only for him, but for me as well."
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