The 29-year-old has 64 caps and is largely regarded as one of the top players in the world at his position. He was injured “in contact.”

“We are extremely disappointed for Malcolm,” coach Jacques Nienaber stated. “It’s tragic that his campaign has ended in this way.”

On Sunday, defending champions South Africa will meet Romania in Bordeaux.

The Springboks, who defeated Scotland 18-3 in their first group game, currently have only one specialist hooker in their squad: Bongi Mbonambi.

Deon Fourie, who also plays in the back row, will be the replacement hooker against Romania, while fellow back rower Marco van Staden has been practising in the role.

“We’ll assess our needs for the remainder of the tournament and confirm who we’ll call up as an extra player later this week,” Nienabar added.

“We have enough hooker cover with Bongi and Deon [Fourie] in the squad, and Marco [van Staden] has also been training there and has been named on all of our team sheets as a hooker option so far.”

In Pool B, South Africa will also face Ireland, the world’s top-ranked team, and Tonga.