Cape Town - South Africa flanker Schalk Burger has dislocated his thumb and damaged ligaments in his right hand weeks before the Tri-Nations and two months out from the Rugby World Cup.
Burger sustained the injury in the first half of the Stormers' 29-10 Super Rugby semi-final loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.
The Stormers confirmed the injury and said Burger will undergo a scan to assess the extent of the injury on Monday.
But it is believed that Burger could be ruled out for between six and eight weeks.
Burger was hurt early on at Newlands but played through until halftime. He didn't come out for the second half.
South Africa will pick their squad for the away leg of the Tri-Nations next weekend, and open the tournament against Australia in Sydney on July 23.
The Boks begin their World Cup title defense on Sept. 11.
Follow Sport24 on Twitter and Facebook
24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
YES, players leave our shores knowing the are still eligible for Bok selection, while diluting the standard of matches in SA. It has to be stopped
NO, even though NZ do it, we have to pick our best side and can't overlook those based abroad
View Results | Vote Archive
47% YES, players leave our shores knowing the are still eligible for Bok selection, while diluting the standard of matches in SA. It has to be stopped
53% NO, even though NZ do it, we have to pick our best side and can't overlook those based abroad
Vote Archive
ProvinceFan gives his opinion on the Heyneke Meyer's most recent Springbok squad announced by SA Rugby.
Twitter Follow Sport24 on Twitter
Newsletters Sign up for Sport24's Morning Glory newsletter
Blogs Yes your opinion counts. Get it out there
WIN Enter and win with Sport24!
Mobile Sport24 on your mobile phone - WAP, alerts, downloads, services
BlackBerry Stay in the loop on your BlackBerry
iPhone Latest Sport24 news on your iPhone
Facebook "Like" Sport24's Facebook page
TV schedule Plan your couch time with our searchable sport TV guide
RSS Feeds Sport news delivered really simply.