All Blacks loose-forward Anton Segner has been ruled out for the remainder of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour after undergoing small keyhole surgery for an ankle washout and infection, according to head coach Dave Rennie. Segner missed the opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park and will not play in the remaining three matches in South Africa.
Anton Segner Ruled Out Following Ankle Surgery
German-born loose-forward Anton Segner will play no further part in the current tour following a medical setback. According to All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, speaking at a post-match press conference in Johannesburg, the Blues player required minor surgical intervention for an ankle issue.
Segner was initially named on the bench for the clash against the Springboks. However, he was a late withdrawal on gameday and replaced by Chiefs No. 6 Simon Parker.
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No Replacement Called Up as Squad Depth is Tested
Despite losing Segner for the final three Tests of the tour, Rennie confirmed that team management will not fly in an injury replacement. According to the All Blacks coach, the squad possesses sufficient loose-forward cover moving forward.
“Our feeling is now that we’re beyond the midweek games; we’ve got enough loose forwards to pick from,” Rennie stated during his post-match briefing following the team’s 41-35 victory over the Lions.
Rennie added that the team emerged from the Lions fixture largely unscathed from a physical standpoint, noting that players experienced standard cramping but no major new injuries.
Squad Management Ahead of the Cape Town Test
The All Blacks are managing minor fitness concerns within the wider touring party as they prepare to travel to Cape Town. Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi missed recent involvement due to a fever, which prevented replacement Xavier Numia from getting a planned rest.
“We were hoping Ofa Tu’ungafasi would mean that we didn’t have to use Xavier Numia today, and unfortunately he was crook,” Rennie explained regarding the late roster adjustments.
With the midweek fixture commitments concluded, the coaching staff anticipates utilizing a pool of over 40 players to inject fresh bodies into the lineup for the upcoming matches in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Anton Segner ruled out of the tour?
According to head coach Dave Rennie, Segner required small keyhole surgery for an ankle washout and infection.
Will the All Blacks call up a replacement player for Segner?
No. Rennie confirmed that no replacement will be brought in because the squad retains enough loose-forward depth now that midweek fixtures have concluded.
Which team did the All Blacks most recently play on the tour?
The All Blacks secured a 41-35 victory against the Lions before traveling to Cape Town.
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