All Blacks hit by illness outbreak ahead of second Springboks Test
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Rocked.
The All Blacks have been hit by a flu-like illness in camp ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the Springboks in Cape Town.
New Zealand are already dealing with several injury problems following their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park, and assistant coach Neil Barnes has now revealed that illness has also been running through the touring squad.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Sports Fix, Barnes said members of the All Blacks setup have been affected by the bug.
“We’ve had a fair cop of illness run through the team with a bug that seems to be getting people, a very flu-like thing.”
The revelation comes just two days out from a hugely important second Test at DHL Stadium, where New Zealand will look to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.
The illness has already affected New Zealand’s preparations, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi withdrawn from Tuesday’s clash with the Lions after falling ill and running a fever.
The All Blacks have not indicated at this stage that any of the players selected for Saturday’s Test are in doubt because of the illness.
Dave Rennie named his matchday 23 on Thursday, making three changes to the starting side that defeated South Africa in Johannesburg.
Two of those changes were already forced by head injuries suffered during the opening Test. Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord are unavailable, with George Bower promoted to start at loosehead prop.
Tupou Vaa’i moves from blindside flanker into the second row alongside Fabian Holland, while Simon Parker comes into the starting XV at No.6.
The other change sees Leroy Carter promoted to the left wing, with Josh Moorby moving to the replacements despite scoring in the opening Test.
New Zealand have also lost Anton Segner for the remainder of the tour. The loose forward underwent minor surgery to wash out an infection in his ankle joint and will take no further part in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Despite the disruptions, the All Blacks head to Cape Town in a strong position after their five-try victory at Ellis Park.
The Springboks, however, have received a significant fitness boost of their own this week, with captain Siya Kolisi cleared to return after recovering from his hamstring injury.
South Africa need victory on Saturday to level the series at 1-1, while another All Blacks win would leave New Zealand one victory away from securing the four-Test series.
For now, the extent of the illness within the New Zealand camp — and whether it has any impact on Saturday’s selected team — will be one to watch in the final build-up to the Test.
