Fourth All Blacks player sent home as injury list increases

The four-Test series in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry kicks off this Saturday at Ellis Park, but it has now been confirmed that All Blacks prop Ollie Norris will return home from South Africa after sustaining a cartilage injury in his knee.

Norris is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, with a replacement prop to be announced in due course.

Three other players have suffered a similar fate.

• George Bell (Hooker) – Ruled out with a calf injury before the tour officially started.
• Billy Proctor (Centre) – Sent home after suffering a fractured shoulder blade against the Stormers.
• Caleb Clarke (Winger) – Returned home after rupturing a shoulder tendon during the match against the Sharks.

All Blacks contending with injury issues

After the departure of Ollie Norris, Canterbury and Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham has been called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover for Cortez Ratima.

Ratima suffered a knee injury during the All Blacks’ 50-19 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and is continuing to be assessed.

The All Blacks now turn their attention to the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against South Africa in Johannesburg this weekend.

Remaining battle ready

The All Blacks have started their tour to South Africa with three comfortable victories, and will be boosted by the return of captain Ardie Savea, who was rested for the first portion of the trip. Superstar flyhalf Richie Mo’unga has also recently joined the squad in South Africa.

Meanwhile, New Zealand attack coach Mike Blair has revealed that confidence within the All Blacks camp is building ahead of the Test series.

“It’s really important to believe that you do,” Blair said when asked whether the All Blacks are confident their game plan is capable of beating the Boks.

“We’ve been walking towards this for quite some time. We know what South Africa are going to bring. They’ve got some real strengths in amongst their DNA, but we see some opportunities as well.

“We’re aware that against South Africa we’re going to get less opportunities, so when we do get it, we’ve got to be right on,” Blair said.

“Our skill set and decision-making – it’s something we’re reviewing, talking about and training as well.”