Rugby:It appears Munster coach Tony McGahan can breath a sigh of relief after new recruit Jean de Villiers' injury isn't as bad as first feared. The South African was forced off the pitch during Saturday's 28-19 Tri-Nations win over New Zealand in Bloemfontein.

De Villiers and Ruan Pienaar both left the pitch injured but South Africa’s team doctor Craig Roberts expects both players to be fit for Saturday’s second encounter with the All Blacks in Durban.

Outhalf Pienaar suffered a sprained ankle while inside centre De Villiers looked to have sustained a serious knee injury after falling awkwardly.

Roberts has since confirmed De Villiers had simply been suffering from cramp, while he expected Pienaar to recover in time for the weekend.

"Ruan rolled his ankle in a tackle just before half-time. We had the opportunity to asses him properly at half-time and we decided it was better to pull him then rather than risk further injury," said Roberts.

"(Pienaar) has a grade one ankle sprain (but) he did some straight-line running today and we are optimistic that he will be ready for this week's game."

Coach Peter de Villiers was more cautious and anxious to protect Pienaar for the rest of the series.

"Ruan is a guy you can build a side around and because of his injury on the weekend we may need to manage him better to get him through the next five games," he said.

"I will take my cue from the doctor because although Ruan was running in a straight line rugby is about more than that. To put him on the field if he is not 100 per cent fit can damage a player's future.

"We want to make sure we do the best thing for ourselves and the player."

De Villiers is die to meet up with his new Munster team-mates in September after the Tri-Nations Series.