Injured South African rugby star Bakkies Botha is heading home so as not to be a distraction for the Springboks ahead of Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Australia in the capital.

The veteran lock was just back from an achilles injury but Botha injured the ankle again on Wednesday when he landed awkwardly during a lineout drill.

The 32-year-old’s been ruled out of the tournament and while he said it’s an emotional time, he's flying out for the Republic where he’ll focus on getting fit for his next contract, with French club side Toulon.

In the quarterfinals tomorrow, Ireland will play Wales in Wellington at 5pm. France will play England at Eden Park at 7.30pm.

Australia will play South Africa in Wellington on Sunday at 5pm and the All Blacks will face Argentina at Eden Park on Sunday night at 7.30.

You can catch the live commentaries of both games - the All Blacks/Argentina and South Africa/Australia, on our sister station, Viti FM with the voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dreu Vukailag