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Both South Africa and New Zealand medical teams have been busy on the back of a bruising weekend at the Wellington Sevens.

Boks captain Mzwandile Stick and Kiwi skipper DJ Forbes are both set to miss the next leg of the IRB Sevens World Series, the USA 7s, in San Diego this week.

Stick picked up a hamstring injury on the first day of the New Zealand Sevens in Wellington in the pool game against Tonga.

South African coach Paul Treu revealed that the injury was serious enough that it might rule his captain out of not only the next leg of the Sevens Series in San Diego but also the World Cup competition. In the absence of Stick, Mpho Mbiyozo will lead the side in USA and Dubai.

"He (Stick) was in great form and we missed him," said Treu.

"He might not even go to the World Cup, which would be a massive blow for us. Stick will return home to start with his rehabilitation and Mpho will now lead the team."

Phillip Snyman and Gio Aplan also picked up knocks in Wellington and are concerns for Treu.

Treu is most likely to call on Cheetahs' Lionel Mapoe as a replacement for his injured captain. The official replacement will be confirmed on Monday.

Kiwi head Gordon Tietjens has also had to review his squad for San Diego, having to replace three members.

His obvious concern will be the loss of the inspirational DJ Forbes. The 2008 IRB Sevens player of the year suffered a hairline fracture to his left foot during day one action of the Wellington Sevens. Scans taken on Friday night revealed the damage.

However, Forbes bravely made the decision to play in the face of intense pain during finals day, in the process inspiring his New Zealand charges through to the final.

Despite scoring a first half try in the match, Forbes was unable to lead his team in victory against England in the final. Despite the seriousness of the injury, Forbes was named in the initial 12-strong squad to travel to San Diego.

Tietjens has confirmed he is now a non-starter, with Taranaki's Ben Souness chosen to take his place. Chad Tuoro and 7s veteran Nigel Hunt have also taken the places of Edwin Cocker and Tomasi Cama.

Cocker broke a leg during the Wellington tournament at the weekend and is out for six weeks while Cama suffered a knee injury and should only miss the San Diego tournament.

The Kiwis were edged out by an impressive England side at the cup final in Wellington on Sunday and Tietjens admitted it had been one of the toughest tournament he had faced due to the injuries, a suspension and a tough draw.

"We always want to do well at home so the team is gutted that we came close but didn't finish on top.