All Blacks Call for Injury Cover After Bruising 1st Test Against South Africa
New Zealand has summoned veteran prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and rookie lock Jamie Hannah as injury replacements following Saturday's 33-16 victory over South Africa in Johannesburg, the opening match of a historic four-test series between rugby's fiercest rivals.
Loosehead prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord both departed the match in the 37th minute after colliding heads while attempting to tackle Springbok eighthman Jasper Wiese. Both players failed subsequent head injury assessments and are unlikely to feature in next Saturday's second test under World Rugby's concussion protocols, which mandate a minimum 12-day stand-down period.
The injuries represent the latest blow to New Zealand's squad depth on what has become an increasingly punishing tour. The All Blacks have now lost six players to injury in the opening two weeks of their intensive six-week, eight-match visit to South Africa, with George Bell, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, and Ollie Norris previously ruled out.
Experience Meets Inexperience in Replacement Duo
Tu'ungafasi, 34, brings 68 test caps to the squad but has not represented the All Blacks in two years and has yet to feature under current coach Dave Rennie in 2026. His recall marks a return to the international fold for a player whose experience could prove crucial as New Zealand navigates the physical demands of the tour.
Hannah, 23, sits at the opposite end of the experience spectrum. The lock made his test debut against France in Christchurch just last month, giving him a single cap before this emergency call-up. His selection underscores the severity of New Zealand's injury crisis.
Both replacements are expected to join the squad on Monday ahead of the tour's final club fixture against the Lions.
First Full Tour in Three Decades
The 2026 visit marks New Zealand's first full tour of South Africa in 30 years, commemorating the historic 1996 tour when the All Blacks became the first New Zealand side to win a test series on South African soil. This year's tour features eight matches total, including tests against the Springboks and fixtures against South African United Rugby Championship sides: the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions.
For the first time in the professional era, the All Blacks and Springboks will contest a four-test series, with the unprecedented fourth match scheduled for Baltimore, USA, on September 12.
The rivalry between the nations spans 110 previous meetings, with New Zealand holding a 63-43 advantage and four draws. Saturday's victory carried added significance after South Africa handed the All Blacks their heaviest-ever test defeat just 11 months earlier, winning 43-10 in Wellington in September 2025.
The mounting injury toll now threatens to overshadow New Zealand's promising start to the series, as the team prepares for three more demanding tests against the reigning world champions.
