- Anton Segner has been ruled out of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series opener due to an ankle injury, with head coach Dave Rennie turning to Simon Parker as his replacement on the bench.
- Segner is dealing with acute inflammatory arthritis in his ankle, and his return timeline is currently unknown.
- The injury was announced just six hours before kickoff, after Segner presented with swelling.
- Simon Parker will join Peter Lakai on the bench, while the starting loose forward trio remains unchanged.
- Segner had earned his place in the matchday 23 with strong performances in July and on the RGR tour.
- In both of his games on South African soil, the German-born flanker registered double-digit tackles and carries.
- Parker was also selected in the All Blacks’ July squad but missed selection for all three games.
- Segner’s setback continues a string of injuries for the All Blacks, with several players forced to return home.
Anton Segner has been withdrawn from the All Blacks' first test against the Springboks at Ellis Park due to an ankle injury diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis. The injury was announced just six hours before kickoff, following swelling in Segner's ankle.123
The 25-year-old flanker had been in strong form, earning his place in the matchday 23 with impressive performances in July, including double-digit tackles and carries during his games in South Africa. He was set to wear the No.19 jersey against the Springboks, but his absence is a significant blow to the team.6
In his place, Simon Parker has been called up from the bench. Parker, who missed selection for the All Blacks' previous three games, is noted for his size and defensive strengths, contrasting with Segner's speed and agility. The change is a straight swap, with the starting loose forward trio of Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, and Ardie Savea remaining unchanged.47
This injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for the All Blacks in South Africa, with George Bell, Billy Proctor, and Caleb Clarke also returning home due to injuries. Additionally, Cortez Ratima is nursing a knee ligament injury, prompting the call-up of Noah Hotham as cover.
Parker's inclusion alters the composition of the All Blacks' bench, which was originally designed to enhance speed and breakdown attack with Segner and Peter Lakai.
“Segner's injury is acute inflammatory arthritis, with no return timeline, and he had been in strong form with double-digit tackles in both South African games. The All Blacks are already missing George Bell, Billy Proctor, and Caleb Clarke, while Cortez Ratima is nursing a knee injury.”
Rugbypass.com
NZ Herald
