The three-times capped Scarlets front rower has had surgery on a shoulder tear and will be sidelined for 12-14 weeks.
With Lions star Richard Hibbard a major doubt for the two-Test trip after also undergoing a shoulder operation, Wales coach Warren Gatland has something a dilemma on his hands.
Phillips’ in-form Scarlets colleague Ken Owen is set to be the first-choice against the Springboks, but it remains to be seen who will be the other two hookers in the tour party.
The injury issues increase the chances of former Wales skipper Matthew Rees earning a remarkable call-up for the trip.
Rees has only made three appearances since returning to action after receiving the all-clear following treatment for testicular cancer.
But he has played a key role in the turnaround in the Blues’ fortunes, as they have reeled off successive victories against Ulster, Edinburgh and the Scarlets.
With Hibbard crocked, Gatland may well look to utilise the vast experience of the 33-year-old Rees, who won the last of his 58 caps against Ireland in February 2013.
The Kiwi coach kept an eye on the former Test Lion while he was taking part in punishing, early morning training sessions at the WRU’s training headquarters during his fight back to fitness.
“Everybody was willing Matthew on in his recovery from illness and was delighted to see him return to the playing field,†he said.
“He’s in the best nick I’ve seen him in for a long time physically and the experience of Matthew and Gethin Jenkins has been important in the recent turnaround of the Blues.
“You only have to see the difference those two make with their knowledge, know-how, talking and cajoling a young team, and their sheer desire to win.
“Matthew is certainly one the Wales selectors will be watching before we name the squad for the tour of South Africa.
“What he has got is experience you can’t buy and he’s certainly in the shake-up to make the squad for the demanding assignments we face in the summer.â€
Gatland added: “We were hugely impressed with Ken Owens’ contribution off the bench during the Six Nations and when he started against Scotland.
“He’s come on enormously and is pushing strongly to be first-choice.â€
Other hooking contenders for the tour include Osprey Scott Baldwin and Liberty Stadium-bound Dragons youngster Sam Parry, who have both had Welsh squad experience.
Baldwin made his Test debut as a replacement on last summer’s tour of Japan and his forwards coach at the Ospreys, Chris Gibbes, believes the 25-year-old should be on the flight to the Republic.
“With Hibbs out for us, Scott has come in and really stepped his game up,†said the New Zealander.
“He’s the sort of young guy Wales need to take to South Africa.â€
Alternative hooking options could include the Blues’ Kristian Dacey, who has scored six tries this season, and Sale’s Pontypridd-born regular No 2 Marc Jones.
The 27-year-old Phillips sustained his injury in the Scarlets’ victory over Zebre two and a half weeks ago and had an operation last Friday.
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