All Blacks Fly in 140kg Front-Row Enforcer As Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Springboks Clash

• The All Blacks have called up a new front-row option after another setback left Dave Rennie needing to strengthen his squad before facing the Springboks
• New Zealand have turned to Super Rugby experience as injuries continue to force changes to the squad ahead of the eagerly awaited Test in South Africa
• The latest All Blacks reshuffle brings a fresh face into the pack and adds another layer of intrigue to the build-up to the Springboks clash

The All Blacks have called on a 140kg front-row enforcer as their injury problems continue to grow ahead of their highly anticipated Springboks clash. Dave Rennie has been forced to strengthen his squad after another setback, with New Zealand making a fresh addition to their touring group as preparations for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series continue.

The All Blacks have brought in Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u as their injury problems continue to mount ahead of their Springboks showdown.

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New Zealand confirmed on Monday, 17 August 2026, that the 26-year-old will replace Ollie Norris for the remainder of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Norris suffered a cartilage injury to his knee and is expected to miss about six weeks.

Ma’u, who stands 1.93m tall, has made 58 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders and 40 provincial outings for Otago. He has also represented the All Blacks XV.

Dave Rennie faces growing injury list

Norris is the fourth All Black sent home during the tour, following George Bell, Billy Proctor and Caleb Clarke.

Rennie acknowledged the difficult run of injuries, telling reporters: “It’s the nature of the game,” while describing the setbacks as unfortunate for the affected players.

The coach is also monitoring scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, who has a PCL injury, while Damian McKenzie remains under assessment with an ankle problem.

Springboks clash looms at Ellis Park

New Zealand have also added Crusaders scrumhalf Noah Hotham as cover for Ratima.

The All Blacks arrive at the Test after beating the Bulls 50-19 on Saturday, 15 August. Their first Test against the Springboks is scheduled for Saturday, 22 August, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

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For Rennie, Ma’u provides fresh front-row depth at a crucial stage of the tour.

Rassie Erasmus keeps All Blacks guessing before Springboks series

Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus has explained why the Springboks are waiting until Thursday, 20 August 2026, to reveal their squad for the All Blacks series.

The decision is designed to give South Africa an advantage against their fierce rivals, and Erasmus made it clear the timing is deliberate.

Source: Briefly News