Willemse is unlikely to take part in the Tri Nations either after sustaining the injury in the Springboks 62-19 win over a Central Unions XV.

Although the injury is less serious than first feared, his absence will be a major blow to the Boks as Willemse looked exceptional in the game as he scored two tries.

The injury is the latest in a spate that has left the Boks squad without several first choice players, including wing Jaque Fourie, full-back Percy Montgomery, flanker Joe van Niekerk and prop Faan Rautenbach.

Rautenbach underwent a small operation to remove loose fragments in the knee in Johannesburg on Wednesday, and according to the national team spokesman Rayaan Adriaanse, he could still be available for the first Test.