All Blacks second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu has been ruled out of rugby for the remainder of the year, after it was confirmed that the 93-Test midfielder had broken his forearm against the Springboks.

The incident occurred in the 31st minute of the All Blacks 14-10 over the Springboks, with Nonu making a tackle against South African captain Jean de Villiers.

It was at this point that Conrad Smith and Ben Smith noted the discomfort on Nonu’s face.

“I could tell by his face,” Ben stated, with the Highlanders back moving into 12 in the second half.

UPDATE: Ma'a Nonu is to miss rugby for the rest of the year after suffering broken forearm in last night's victory over South Africa.— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 14, 2014

“He's usually pretty durable Ma'a, he doesn't like to come off, so when he does have a problem, you know it's pretty serious.”

Originally Conrad, who was lining up alongside Nonu for their 55th Test match together – equalling the record set by Brian O’Driscoll and Gordon D’Arcy – told his long time centre partner to suck it up.

“Ma'a told me straight away it was broken,” the All Blacks centre said.

“I was probably aware of our shortage on the bench and said ‘you'll be right’.

“But it was pretty obvious from then on. You can tell with someone you've played with a lot that they're not quite right.”

Incredibly, Nonu did not seek medical attention during the final nine minutes of the half, and is credited with making further tackles.