All Blacks lose Anton Segner to ankle infection before second Springboks Test

The All Blacks have suffered another injury setback after flanker Anton Segner was ruled out of the remainder of their tour and sent back to New Zealand for treatment.

Segner has an infection in his ankle joint which requires minor surgery. He has now flown home, leaving New Zealand coach Dave Rennie without one of his options for the rest of the four-match series against the Springboks.

Rennie has not called up a replacement at this stage.

The injury is a significant blow for the All Blacks, who have already had to manage several fitness concerns during the tour. Segner had been included on the bench for the opening Test against South Africa at Ellis Park last Saturday, but withdrew before the match.

New Zealand won that contest and lead the four-match series 1-0. The teams will meet again in Cape Town this weekend, with the second Test scheduled to begin at 17:10.

Segner’s absence further reduces Rennie’s selection options in the back row as the All Blacks attempt to build on their lead. Although he was not named in the starting side for the first Test, his place among the replacements indicated that he was expected to contribute if required.

Instead, the ankle problem forced him out before kick-off. The infection has subsequently been assessed as serious enough to require a surgical procedure, bringing his involvement in the tour to an end.

New Zealand must now prepare for the Cape Town Test without Segner while continuing to monitor the wider injury situation within the squad. The decision not to select a replacement means Rennie will work with the group already available to him, at least for now.

The second match carries added importance for both teams. The All Blacks can move two wins clear in the series with victory, while the Springboks will be seeking to level the contest after losing the first Test at Ellis Park.

The sides will meet for two further matches after the Cape Town encounter, but New Zealand’s 1-0 advantage gives them an early opportunity to take control of the series.

Segner’s return to New Zealand comes as preparations continue for a match being played under considerable attention. The Springboks have already been dealing with questions over the pressure surrounding the Cape Town Test, while the All Blacks must absorb the latest disruption to their squad.

For Rennie, the immediate task is to settle his match-day selection and ensure the team can cope without a player who had been trusted to provide back-row cover in the opening Test.

The All Blacks and Springboks will kick off at 17:10 in Cape Town this weekend.