De Villiers' new World Cup nightmare

South African captain Jean de Villiers is once again doubtful for a World Cup after yet another dreadful injury.

This follows after the veteran centre suffered a dislocated kneecap in the 6-12 defeat against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Springbok team revealed the serious nature of the injury in the team's official twitter feed.

"News on Jean: dislocated his kneecap and will be sent for scans shortly to check for any associated damage," the tweet said.

De Villiers sustained the injury from a restart, just before the hour-mark, after Leigh Halfpenny had landed his fourth penalty at the Millennium Stadium.

De Villiers fell awkwardly after a tackle by Wales No.8 Toby Faletau, who pulled him backwards at an awkward angle.

"Losing our captain was a big setback," South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer said in his post-match reaction.

"Jean has had so many knee injuries."

Meyer said the leadership will most likely go to veteran Victor Matfield, till De Villiers return -0 of he does before the World Cup in England next year.

"Victor Matfield's a great leader," Meyer said.

"But I feel really sorry for Jean. I hope he will be back for the World Cup."

The dislocation was reduced on the field and he was sent for scans shortly after the match.

“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.”

News on Jean: dislocated his knee cap and will be sent for scans shortly to check for any associated damage.

— South African Rugby (@bokrugby) November 29, 2014