BEATEN UP AND OUT: South African second-five Frans Steyn was clearing out at a ruck when he injured his shoulder, putting him out for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has said Frans Steyn is a bigger loss to South Africa than Dan Carter is to the All Blacks.

With Carter and Steyn both leaving the tournament with serious injuries, de Villiers made his eye-brow raising comparison after South Africa arrived in Wellington today to prepare for their quarterfinal against Australia.

''Frans Steyn is a big blow to us. I think it is much bigger [than Carter]. He was one of those stars to us,'' de Villiers said. ''Coming into the World Cup he was a fullback for us but we were forced to use him at centre and he has showed us what his value is as a player and a team man. We are going to miss him as a player definitely.''

Carter (groin) and Steyn (shoulder) are both goal kickers and were pivotal to their team's runs through pool play.

De Villiers said the absence of Steyn's massive boot meant Australia would be able to target the breakdown more aggressively from their side of half way on Sunday.

''If the breakdown is there they will definitely target it more, but then we have to just make sure we play a territory game and that we are in the right place on the field.''

While de Villiers' claim will wind up some Kiwi fans, there is no doubt the loss of Steyn, who was injured clearing a ruck during South Africa's 13-5 win over Samoa, is a blow to the defending champions hopes.

His place is likely to be taken by fit-again veteran Jean de Villiers who injured his ribs in early in the Springbok's first match against Wales, but returned via the bench in the final pool match.

De Villiers said South Africa's only other injury concerns were minor concerns around wings Bryan Habana and JP Pieterson, but he did not give any details.

A spokesman said halfback/wing Francois Hougaard, who took a heavy head knock against Samoa, was fit to play the quarterfinal if selected.

Springbok hooker John Smit said he was satisfied with where the team was at the conclusion of pool play.

''If you have got this far you've done well to be successful in your pool and the pool for us was invaluable because we came in a little bit under cooked.

''Having the game time being able to see what your combinations are like and get into form has been invaluable for us and I'm pretty sure it would have been for the other teams. Now everyone's on the same level.

''We are pretty pleased with where we've come. We've got through our pool with some pretty tough challenges and we'll be stronger for that. It comes down to how we perform over the next three weeks.''