All Backs coach Dave Rennie has been forced to bring in further reinforcements after Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord suffered head knocks in Saturday’s win.
Injury concerns continue to mount for the tourists. Reinforcements are on the way in the form of Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah. Their inclusions come as both de Groot and Lord are going through return-to-play protocols after suffering head injuries.
This is not the first time boss Rennie has had to bolster his squad mid-tour, either, with George Bell, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clark and Ollie Norris forced to return home with tour-ending injuries while Richie Mo’unga, Bradley Slater and Noah Hotham have been added to the extended group.
“Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah have been called into the All Blacks squad as injury replacements for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, while they progress through the World Rugby concussion protocols,” a statement from New Zealand Rugby read.
“Tu’ungafasi adds significant Test experience to the front row, while lock Hannah joins the squad as cover for Lord.”
34-year-old tighthead Tu’ungafasi brings serious Test experience to the All Blacks squad, with 68 caps to his name after making his debut in 2016.
However, he is yet to don the black jersey under Rennie, after missing out on selection for the Nations Championship.
23-year-old lock Hannah also returns to the All Blacks picture for the first time since his Test debut in July, where he came off the bench in their win against France. He has also featured for the All Blacks XV on two occasions, and was a consistent figure in the Crusaders’ starting XV in 2026.
Elsewhere, Anton Segner was a late withdrawal from the 23-man squad for yesterday’s shock 33-16 victory in Test One of the series against the Springboks with an ankle concern, while Cortez Ratima is also under an injury cloud after a knee issue picked up against the Bulls last week.
Rennie’s side now turn their attention to the final franchise game of the tour against the Lions on Tuesday (August 25), before facing the Boks once again in Test Two at DHL Stadium, Cape Town on Saturday (August 29).
