Goosen goes under the knife

Springbok flyhalf Johan Goosen will undergo knee surgery on Tuesday which will rule him out of action for the rest of the year.

The 20-year-old playmaker suffered the injury in a collision during the match against the All Blacks at Soccer City on Saturday, and after consulting specialists it has been decided that he requires surgery.

The young flyhalf who only recently returned from a shoulder injury and was hampered in the home Rugby Championship Tests against Australia and New Zealand with a bruised heel, limped off the field just before half-time with what has been confirmed as a Grade 3 medial tear.

This means that Goosen will not be going on the Springboks' year-end tour to Europe, and his chances of being fit for the start of the Super Rugby season next year also appear quite slim as he may have to spend up to six months on the sideline.

The injury opens the door for Morne Steyn to make a return to the Springbok team when they tour the UK, although there are many who believe that promising young players such as Elton Jantjies and Pat Lambie should be given an opportunity in the No.10 jersey instead.

The fact that Goosen picked up two serious injuries in his debut season will be cause for concern over his future, especially as he has been touted as the long-term answer for the Boks at flyhalf.