South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk was forced off after just 43 seconds of their Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand after suffering a nasty collision to the head.
The action at Mbombela Stadium was stopped for around seven minutes as the Springbok star received treatment after being left out cold following a tackle on All Black winger Caleb Clarke. Defending with typical aggression and ferocity, de Klerk's head collided with Clarke's knee as the scrum-half appeared to slip into the tackle.
Initially lying prone on the pitch, host broadcasters SuperSport cut away from any footage of the scrum-half receiving treatment. Eventually, a conscious de Klerk was stretchered off - with both sets of players applauding him off.
Thankfully, around 20 minutes after departing, de Klerk was seen walking around back on the sidelines - applauding fans and talking to team-mates.
Understandably given the worrying scenes, many on social media expressed their concern for the 30-year-old. Former England fly-half Andy Goode commented: "Awful to see Faf de Klerk get knocked out cold like that, hope he’s OK.
"This is why World Rugby want players to stop flying out the line out of control to try and reduce these head collisions upright or low. The big issue is the line speed in defence and the lack of reaction time."
Brain damage lobby group Progressive Rugby tweeted: "Best wishes to Faf de Klerk. Horrible to see."
The 2019 World Cup winner had been recalled to the Springboks starting XV, having not started either the second or third Test in Wales' recent summer tour of South Africa.
Read more:
Today's rugby news as Australia captain pulls out of Rugby Championship opener for personal reasons
'Fantastic' Welsh fly-half newcomer already likened to an All Black is exciting many people
Today's rugby news as eligibility row erupts and new role for Welsh rugby boss
