New Zealand 14-10 South Africa
Nonu and Pienaar are Wellington casualties
ESPN Staff
September 13, 2014
Preview Report Reaction Reaction Match details Gallery
South Africa's Ruan Pienaar is carried from the pitch, New Zealand v South Africa, Rugby Championship, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, September 13, 2014
Ruan Pienaar is carted from the field © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links

The Springboks and the All Blacks are counting the cost of a bruising game in Wellington with both sides facing an anxious wait over key players.

For New Zealand, Ma'a Nonu was forced off at half-time and Steve Hansen confirmed post-match it looks like he has suffered a broken arm. "We've got a pretty good idea of Ma'a's prognosis," Hansen said. "We think it's probably broken. He felt sore and the doctor decided he wasn't right at halftime." On the subject of who would replace Nonu, Hansen added: "Ryan [Crotty] should be back next week so that's good timing."

The news was not much better for South Africa after Ruan Pienaar suffered what looked to be a serious injury in the 36th minute. Heyneke Meyer said post-match he believed Pienaar had suffered a knee injury and is set for between six and eight weeks on the sidelines.

Francois Louw is also an unlikely starter in two week's time after exiting with a pinched nerve in his arm, leaving Meyer staring at a growing loose forward sick list which includes Willem Alberts and Schalk Burger.

Nonu was taken to hospital during the game, but left Springboks centurion Jean de Villiers with his match jersey, while Pienaar will be assessed in South Africa.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices