South Africa captain Jean de Villiers has been ruled out for four to six weeks after fracturing his jaw in a defeat to Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
The centre was hoping to prove his fitness in South Africa's final home match before the start of the World Cup, having dislocated his knee during a loss to Wales last November, but was forced off early in the 37-25 defeat to the Pumas.
The 34-year-old could miss the start of the Rugby World Cup as a result, with the team's first match scheduled for September 19 in Brighton against Japan.
De Villiers, who has 107 caps for his country, is expected to retire from internationals after the World Cup.
