Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is reportedly in serious doubt for the Rugby World Cup in September, after sustaining a knee injury.
South Africa’s Independent Newspapers group understands the Sharks star has sustained a partial tear to the anterior cruciate ligament against Munster.
The report says he has already seen two specialists, with one recommending surgery, which would rule him out of the World Cup.
Kolisi is expected to see a third specialist, after the Sharks previously confirmed he had been sent for scans.
Without surgery, his injury is expected to take up to four months to heal, putting him in a race against time to prove his fitness for the France tournament.
Kolisi injured his knee in just the sixth minute against Munster, but carried on playing.
He walked around the field after the match, thanking the fans in what will now be his last game for the Durban-based side. Kolisi will move to Top 14 giants Racing 92 next season.
The severity of the injury didn't become apparent, until his wife Rachel suggested as such, pleading for prayers on social media.
Kolisi led the Springboks to their third World Cup title in 2019, but the rainbow nation could find itself with a new captain this time round.
First-five Handre Pollard is the current vice-captain, while Sharks teammate and long-time friend Eben Etzebeth is another possibility, with star centre Lukhanyo Am also an outside chance.
The Springboks kick off their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia on July 8, before making the trip to New Zealand to take on the All Blacks at Auckland.
