All Blacks draft in 140kg Highlanders prop for South Africa tour

The All Blacks have called up Highlanders front-rower Saula Ma’u to replace the injured Ollie Norris on their Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.

Ma’u is already travelling to join the New Zealand squad, with coach Dave Rennie confirming the replacement on Monday. The 1.93m prop weighs 140kg and brings 58 games of Super Rugby experience to the group.

Norris’ injury has forced the All Blacks to make a change in the front row as they prepare for a Test on Saturday. Ma’u’s inclusion is intended to ensure New Zealand have sufficient cover among their front-row forwards during a demanding period of the tour.

“So Saula Ma’u is already on the plane over here to replace Ollie Norris,” All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said on Monday.

The call-up comes as New Zealand manage the demands of playing two Tests within a short period. Rennie said the squad’s front-row options would be particularly important because the team could face another match just three days after Saturday’s fixture.

“Obviously, it’s essential for us to have enough front-row forwards; we’ve got a Test on Saturday, and ideally we’d have two fresh front rows to play in that game, which means we’re not asking the Test guys to back up three days later,” Rennie added.

Ma’u’s considerable physical presence will add further depth to the All Blacks’ front-row contingent. At 140kg and 1.93m, he is one of the more imposing forwards available to New Zealand, while his 58 Super Rugby appearances provide him with substantial experience at the level below international rugby.

The Highlanders front-rower now joins the touring group as New Zealand prepare for the challenges of the Greatest Rivalry tour. His selection follows Norris’ injury and gives Rennie another option as the All Blacks balance their front-row resources across the schedule.

Rennie’s comments underline the importance of maintaining enough specialist forwards to handle the fixtures. New Zealand want to field two fresh front rows for Saturday’s Test rather than rely on the same players to return to action three days later.

Ma’u’s arrival therefore provides cover at a key position while the All Blacks continue their campaign in South Africa. The squad will now include the 140kg Highlanders prop in place of Norris for the remainder of the tour.