All Blacks suffer another injury blow before first Springboks Test

New Zealand have been forced to make another change to their squad for the opening Test against South Africa after loose forward Anton Segner withdrew because of a swollen ankle.

Segner had originally been named among the replacements for Saturday’s match on the All Blacks’ Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa. However, the injury has ruled him out of the 23-man squad, continuing an unfortunate run of fitness problems for New Zealand before the first meeting with the Springboks.

Simon Parker will replace Segner on the bench. Parker is also a loose forward and will now be available as part of the match-day replacements for the opening Test.

The change means New Zealand will face South Africa with a late alteration to their planned 23-man group. Segner’s withdrawal came after the squad had been selected, with the swelling in his ankle preventing him from taking his place among the replacements.

The All Blacks’ injury concerns have become a prominent feature of their tour ahead of a match that carries particular significance because of the standing of the rivalry between the two sides. South Africa and New Zealand will begin the Test at 17:10 on Saturday.

Parker’s promotion to the bench is the only replacement confirmed in the squad update. Segner’s position has been filled by another player in the same broad area of the team, with Parker now set to provide loose-forward cover if required during the match.

The decision leaves New Zealand preparing for the first Test while managing another adjustment to their plans. Segner will not be involved in the 23-man squad, and Parker takes his place among the replacements.

The match will be the next chapter in the Greatest Rivalry tour, with the All Blacks due to face the Springboks in the opening Test on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10.

The selection change comes alongside wider discussion over the South Africa team, including the decision involving Sacha FM at 10. Rassie Erasmus has explained that call in a separate discussion around the Springboks’ line-up.

For New Zealand, the immediate focus is on coping with the loss of Segner and finalising preparations for the first Test. His swollen ankle has resulted in the latest alteration, while Parker now assumes the replacement role that had been allocated to him.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:10.