JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The All Blacks’ demanding tour of South Africa has claimed another casualty, with loose forward Anton Segner ruled out for the remainder of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour after undergoing surgery on his ankle.
Segner, 25, had initially been expected to feature against the Springboks in the opening Test at Ellis Park but was withdrawn shortly before kickoff after suffering significant swelling in his ankle. The condition was initially assessed as acute inflammatory arthritis, but New Zealand Rugby has since confirmed that Segner underwent minor surgery to treat an infection in the ankle joint and will return home to continue his recovery.
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the tour, as New Zealand continues its campaign against South Africa with several demanding fixtures still ahead.
A Sudden Setback for a Rising All Blacks Forward
Segner had already made his presence felt during the early stages of the tour, starting against the Stormers and Bulls before being named among the replacements for the first Test against South Africa. His late withdrawal opened the door for Simon Parker, highlighting just how quickly injuries can reshape a touring squad.
The German-born flanker, who became the first player born in Germany to represent the All Blacks, will now miss the remainder of one of rugby’s most physically demanding tours.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said the team has enough loose-forward options and does not plan to call up a direct replacement for Segner, despite a growing injury list within the squad.
Injuries Are Starting to Test New Zealand’s Depth
Segner’s departure is not an isolated problem. Reports indicate that several All Blacks have already returned home injured, while other players are dealing with concussion protocols, adding further pressure to New Zealand’s squad management.
Earlier in the tour, winger Caleb Clarke, hooker George Bell, and centre Billy Proctor were also ruled out through injury, underscoring the physical toll of the extended campaign.
Yet New Zealand has continued to produce results.
The All Blacks opened the Test series with an impressive 33-16 victory over South Africa at Ellis Park, before overcoming an 18-point second-half deficit to beat the Lions 41-35, maintaining their unbeaten record on tour.
Springboks Fight Back as Siya Kolisi Returns
The injury news comes as the Springboks receive a major boost of their own. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to return after recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to lead his side in the next Test in Cape Town.
That creates another fascinating chapter in rugby’s historic rivalry: an All Blacks side riding high on momentum but increasingly stretched by injuries against a Springbok team desperate to respond after its opening-Test defeat.
For New Zealand, Segner’s absence may not immediately force a crisis. The squad still possesses considerable depth in the loose forwards. But as the tour enters its most decisive stretch, every injury increases the pressure on Rennie and his coaching staff to manage their resources carefully.
The All Blacks have survived the early blows—but with Anton Segner now heading home and injuries mounting, the real question is whether New Zealand’s depth can carry them all the way through the tour.
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