Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore has been ruled out for the rest of the year after being told he needs a knee reconstruction.

In a massive blow for Australia, scans have shown that Moore ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and medial ligament in the opening minute of Saturday night’s 50-23 win over France.

The 92-Test hooker injured his left knee after falling awkwardly in making a tackle from the side on French flanker Bernard Le Roux.

Moore bravely attempted to play on but was a mere passenger as France pressured inside Australia’s half before Frederic Michalak slotted a drop goal.

Ironically, the new skipper was a Trojan in all 15 Tests last year but had to be replaced by Tatafu Polota-Nau and finished the night in hospital having scans.

It’s also a major disappointment for the Brumbies who are sitting in the top six in Super Rugby and now have to do without their hard-nosed rake for the remaining three rounds heading into the finals.