All Blacks hooker George Bell has been ruled out of the upcoming tour of South Africa after suffering a calf strain during training in Cape Town, according to a team spokesperson. The Crusaders and Canterbury forward is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, forcing a late squad adjustment ahead of the team’s opening fixture against the Stormers.
Squad Changes and Replacements Following Bell’s Injury
To cover the vacancy left by Bell, Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater has been called up to the squad. According to team announcements, Slater is scheduled to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday to join the camp ahead of the weekend match.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie expressed frustration over the timing of the setback. “We are all gutted for George, to be ruled out of the tour so early,” Rennie said. “He’s had a frustrating past few months with injury so it’s a real blow for him to have injured his calf again. We look forward to seeing him return via the NPC and put himself in a position to push for All Blacks selection later in the year.”
Pro Tip: Keeping up with domestic competitions like the Bunnings Warehouse NPC provides a direct window into how recovering players work their way back into national team contention.
Upcoming Tour Fixture Details
The All Blacks are set to open their South African tour against the Stormers on Saturday morning (NZT). The team’s preparations in Cape Town have focused on adjusting personnel quickly following Bell’s departure, with Slater stepping in to maintain depth at the hooker position.
Did You Know?
Bradley Slater earned his call-up following consistent performances with the Blues in Super Rugby, most notably featuring during the march campaign where he scored a try against the Fijian Drua at Eden Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing George Bell on the All Blacks tour?
According to team officials, Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater has been called up to replace George Bell.
How long is George Bell expected to be out of play?
The Crusaders forward is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a calf strain.
Who are the All Blacks playing in their first tour match?
The All Blacks face the Stormers on Saturday morning (NZT) in their opening fixture.
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