Australia lock and former South African Dan Vickerman
© AFP/File Tony Ashby

CARDIFF (AFP) - Vickerman, who played in Australia's 29-29 draw against Wales at the Millennium Stadium here Saturday, before being replaced with just over a minute left by Mark Chisholm.

As well as Australia's internationals later this month against Italy, Ireland and Scotland, Waratahs forward Vickerman's anticipated lay-off of six months means he is set to miss most of the next Super 14 campaign as well.

Vickerman had a previous operation on his right shoulder some 14 months ago.

"It's the same shoulder that (Vickerman) had reconstructed in September last year but it is a new injury," said Wallaby team doctor Martin Raftery Sunday.

"We'll get the surgery done as soon as possible and start his rehabilitation, which will be six months," he added.

Vickerman, 27, who aggravated the injury during the Wales match, admitted he's been struggling with his shoulder for some time.

"It hasn't been right since early in the Test season," said Vickerman, who initially suffered his latest shoulder injury during the Wallabies' Tri-Nations victory over South Africa in Brisbane on July 15.

"I've had some problems with it since then but I've been able to play through it. It's just gotten to the point where I need to have the surgery and get it right," he said.

"We've got some pretty big games coming up and obviously I'm very disappointed that I'll miss the rest of the tour but I'll also (be out) for most of the Super 14 season, which is a fair chunk of footy," added the South African-born lock.

"But it's just part of footy and those are the cards I've been dealt. I just need to accept it and get the surgery done and focus on getting back to full fitness."

Australia coach John Connolly said Vickerman's loss was a major blow to his squad. "He (Vickerman) is a world class player and he's extremely important to us. He's our main lineout caller and he provides a lot of leadership in the forwards," he added.

The Wallabies have yet to decide on whether to call in a replacement for Vickerman in the 37-man Wallaby touring party. "That's a decision we'll make within the next 24 hours," said Connolly.

Vickerman will leave for Australia later Suunday and is due to arrive in Sydney at 6.25am local time on Tuesday.

Australia play Italy in Rome on November 11 before taking on Ireland at Lansdowne Road on November 19 before travelling to Edinburgh where their tour concludes against Scotland on November 25.

©AFP