Paterson, who captained Scotland through the RBS 6 Nations, suffered a triple fracture of his right cheekbone during the 38-3 victory over Samoa in Wellington and scans later confirmed he would require surgery.

Although the captaincy was passed on to Scott Murray for this tour, Paterson won his 46th Test cap against Samoa and lends the young side experience and leadership, a vital component that Williams has been trying to install into the squad since the World Cup.

"It's a huge loss for the squad and a big disappointment,'' said Williams after returning from Wellington to Sydney.

"Chris is an integral part of the team, both on and off the pitch. We will certainly miss him in the next few games.

"But he is a hardy character and we hope to see him back as soon as possible.''

Paterson was given permission to make the uncomfortable three hour flight from Wellington because the swelling under his right eye remained too severe for surgery to be considered.

He will see another specialist as soon as possible and undergo the necessary operation once the swelling has sufficiently subsided.

Scotland doctor James Robson described the injury as similar but worse than the triple fracture suffered by fullback Robbie Kydd in the opening tour game against Queensland.

Paterson will be the fifth player to be ruled out of the tour in seven days that Robson, who has also worked on British and Irish Lions tours, described as the busiest he has known.

Kydd underwent surgery on his cheek in Brisbane earlier this week, Scotland lost Cameron Mather to a twisted ankle, promising centre Tom Philip ruptured knee ligaments while Euan Murray failed to shake a thigh injury.