All Blacks forced into late change ahead of Springboks series opener
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Ruled out.
The All Blacks have been forced into a late change to their matchday squad ahead of Saturday’s opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
New Zealand have confirmed that flanker Anton Segner has been withdrawn from the matchday 23, with Simon Parker coming into the squad in his place.
It is a frustrating setback for Segner, who had earned an opportunity to feature in the opening Test following an impressive provincial leg of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Segner presented with a swollen ankle, which has been assessed as acute inflammatory arthritis.
Parker has also been heavily involved during the tour and now gets an opportunity to feature in the first of four Tests against the Springboks.
The 26-year-old Chiefs loose forward entered the tour with eight Test caps and was included in Dave Rennie’s original 44-man touring squad. Segner, meanwhile, travelled to South Africa with two Test appearances to his name.
The late change comes just hours before the two great rivals finally get the Test portion of the tour underway in Johannesburg.
New Zealand arrive at Ellis Park unbeaten in South Africa after completing a clean sweep of their three provincial fixtures.
The All Blacks opened the tour with a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town before defeating the Sharks 54-0 in Durban and the Bulls 50-19 in Pretoria.
Saturday represents a considerable step up, however, as the All Blacks face the Springboks for the first time in 2026 and begin their historic four-Test series.
