As if the injury to Dan Carter wasn’t bad enough, the All Blacks may be without his replacement Colin Slade and fullback Mils Muliaina for the rest of the Rugby World Cup.

Slade, thrust into the limelight as New Zealand’s starting five eighth after Carter suffered a groin injury, suffered a similar mishap early in the All Blacks quarter final win over Argentina.

Muliaina, who was celebrating his 100th Test against the Pumas, left the field midway through the match with a shoulder injury.
 
Coach Graham Henry said it is too early to rule the duo out and they will await the confirmation from the team doctor before an announcement is made.

Meanwhile, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said his career is over now that his side is out of the World Cup.

The defending champions were beaten 11-9 by Australia in their quarter final in Wellington.

In the semifinal next Saturday, Wales will play France while on Sunday Australia faces New Zealand.