All Blacks forced into another call-up as another player sent home
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Setback.
The All Blacks have been forced into another squad change just days out from their opening Test against the Springboks, with scrum-half Noah Hotham called into the touring party in South Africa.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed on Monday that Hotham will travel to Johannesburg as injury cover after Cortez Ratima suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s 50-19 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
There is also some uncertainty surrounding Cam Roigard, who has yet to feature on the Greatest Rivalry tour because of a calf injury.
Hotham featured for Tasman in their 50-35 victory over Counties Manukau on Sunday and will now link up with the All Blacks as they begin preparations for Saturday’s blockbuster at Ellis Park.
The 23-year-old’s call-up comes as New Zealand deal with another tour-ending injury, with prop Ollie Norris returning home after suffering a cartilage injury in his knee.
Norris is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, with the All Blacks confirming that a replacement prop will be announced in due course.
He becomes the fourth All Black to have his tour ended prematurely through injury.
Billy Proctor suffered a fractured shoulder blade against the Stormers, George Bell was forced home with a calf injury, while Caleb Clarke requires surgery after rupturing a tendon in his shoulder against the Sharks.
The latest setbacks add to a growing injury list ahead of the four-Test series against the world champions, with Damian McKenzie also being monitored after suffering an ankle injury earlier on tour.
New Zealand face the Springboks in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 22.
