Injury-hit All Blacks call home for reinforcements

New Zealand have called up Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah to bolster their squad ahead of their clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday, 25 August.

Kick-off is at 19:00.

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The pair have been added to the All Blacks squad following New Zealand’s impressive 33-16 victory over the Springboks in the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series on Saturday.

Prop Tu’ungafasi and lock Hannah have been brought in as replacements following injury concerns surrounding Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord.

De Groot and Lord picked up injuries after a sickening clash of heads during the All Blacks’ victory over South Africa in Johannesburg.

Injury concerns

The injured duo will be monitored in the coming days, with their availability for the remainder of New Zealand’s tour yet to be determined.

The pair will also be assessed under World Rugby’s concussion protocols, where applicable, before a decision is made on their involvement in upcoming fixtures.

The All Blacks will now turn their attention to the Lions, with the midweek fixture providing an opportunity for New Zealand to give additional squad members valuable game time during their South African tour.

Lions vs All Blacks

The fixture comes just days after New Zealand’s emphatic victory over the Springboks at the same venue.

The All Blacks will then face South Africa again at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, in the second Test of the four-match series.

New Zealand lead the series 1-0 and have also moved into the No 1 position in the world rankings following their triumph over the Springboks.