Jean de Villiers on Thursday underwent successful surgery in Stellenbosch on the left knee he injured in Cardiff.

The Springbok captain had a full reconstruction of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments with an artificial graft, as well as a repair of the medial collateral ligament.

'The procedure went well, but at this stage it's difficult to determine an exact return to play time-frame,' said Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts. 'The use of an artificial graft should speed up his rehabilitation and hopefully increase his chances of making a successful return to the playing field.'

De Villiers said: 'I would like to thank every medical practitioner involved in my injury, from Saturday when it happened until today’s operation.

'My focus will now be on the arrival of our third child in the coming days. Thereafter it will be about recovering as soon as possible so I can start with my rehabilitation. I still have my sights set on going to next year’s World Cup and will do everything in my power to get to England.

'I would also like to thank everyone for the well-wishes and support in the last week, it means a lot to me and my family and we really appreciate every message.'

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images