In what is a major setback for the Springboks, it has been confirmed that star Bok Bryan Habana is unlikely to take part in this Saturday's Tri-Nations encounter against Australia after sustaining a "grade one tear of the hamstring" this past weekend.

Habana — the best wing in the world — was replaced early in the second half when the Boks lost 0-19 to the All Blacks this past weekend at Newlands and it was revealed at a press conference in Durban on Monday that he could be out for up to ten days.

Further tests will be carried out on Tuesday and he is sure to be given every chance to recover, but his chances of being fit to face Australia are not looking good.

Springbok manager Andy Marinos confirmed: "He'll be out for up to 10 days. We will be reassessing him later in the week, but he'll probably be ruled out."

Bok coach Peter de Villiers, meanwhile, conceded it was a major seback, especially considering experienced lock Bakkies Botha — another World Cup winner — has already been ruled out of the remainder of the Tri-Nations.

Otherwise, there were no other major injury concerns for the Boks on Monday.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis was not at training and is suffering from some "bumps and bruises", whilst loose forward Danie Rossouw has undergone a lower back scan. Both should, however, be fine to play on Saturday.

Sharks star Ruan Pienaar has also joined the squad and could be drafted into the matchday 22 to provide cover at both flyhalf and scrumhalf.

Speedy Cheetahs wing Jongi Nokwe — who made a try-scoring Test debut against Argentina a fortnight ago — is a possible replacement for Habana in the No.11 shirt.

Two bonus-point victories over the Wallabies in their remaining two fixtures would keep the Boks in the Tri-Nations title hunt, but even if they were to achieve this, they would still have to rely on the Aussies beating the All Blacks in the final match in Brisbane.

Sapa