Ireland and South Africa have suffered bad news on the injury front ahead of their respective quarter final matches in RWC 2003.
Irish wing Denis Hickey is out of the Tournament with a serious achillies injury, while for South African flanker Joe van Niekerk will take no further part in Rugby World Cup 2003.
Van Niekerk was South Africa's player of the year in 2002 and a nominee for 2002 IRB Player of the Year and could be out of rugby for up to six months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
He had scored three tries in his four appearances in this Tournament, including one against Samoa in the second minute.
He was replaced early in the second half by Danie Rossouw. Van Niekerk will fly back to South Africa to consult a specialist and probably undergo an operation. Team management said an announcement on a possible replacement would be made at a later stage.
Ireland winger Denis Hickie is flying home after rupturing his right Achilles tendon shortly before half-time picking up an injury in the 17-16 loss to Australia. Hickie has scored 23 tries in 44 appearances for Ireland.
"It's serious and requires immediate surgery," said coach Eddie O'Sullivan. "He could be out for up to six months. It's worse than a broken leg."
Ireland management have nominated Tyrone Howe to replace Hickie as Ireland prepare for a quarter-final against France next Sunday.