Wellington, July 19 NZPA - Springboks lock Andries Bekker has been ruled out out of Saturday's Tri-Nations rugby test against Australia in Brisbane with a back injury.

Bekker suffered an acute disc injury towards the end of the test against the All Blacks in Wellington at the weekend, won 31-17 by New Zealand.

He underwent an MRI scan in Brisbane this morning, and will see a specialist for treatment on his return to South Africa.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers said the injury to Bekker was "unfortunate".

"It is a setback but we will have to deal with it. That is part of the game. We have to rely on the strength within our squad for the test.

"It is a blow for Andries too as he was just coming back from a previous injury."

The remainder of the South African squad is clear of injury, de Villiers said.

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