The All Blacks’ highly anticipated tour of South Africa has hit an early speed bump ahead of their opening clash against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
Hooker George Bell has been ruled out of the tour for up to six weeks after sustaining a calf injury during one of the team’s initial training sessions in Mzansi. The setback is compounded by tour captain Codie Taylor also nursing a calf niggle, prompting head coach Dave Rennie to draft Crusaders teammate Bradley Slater into the squad as immediate cover.
Springboks Boosted by Returning Stars Ahead of Argentina Clash
While New Zealand manages front-row concerns, the Springboks have received a major personnel boost as they finalize preparations for their warm-up fixture against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Locks Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, alongside playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, have all returned to full fitness.
“It’s fantastic to have Eben and Lood back, and also the other players who were injured and haven’t played in a while, such as Sacha and the other guys. They’re experienced players, and they mean a lot in our system.”
— Deon Davids, Springbok Assistant Coach
Springbok Returnee Morne van den Berg:
“The injury was obviously tough, especially with the Boks playing, but it gave me a lot of motivation to work hard to be here. I’ve had some incredible people on my side who helped me a lot, and I’m feeling really good.”
Upcoming Tour & Test Match Details
- Tour Opener: All Blacks vs DHL Stormers | Friday, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- International Match: Springboks vs Argentina | Saturday, Estadio José Amalfitani (21:10 SAST, Live on SuperSport)
