New Zealand calls up replacements after player injuries in first Test against South Africa
New Zealand’s rugby team has called up prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and second-row player Jamie Hannah for its tour of South Africa. According to Channel NewsAsia, citing New Zealand Rugby, they will replace Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord.
Head knocks in the first Test
De Groot and Lord left the field late in the first half of the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg after head knocks. The All Blacks won 33:16 at Ellis Park Stadium.
Both players must undergo World Rugby concussion protocols. As the source notes, this will likely prevent them from playing in the second Test in Cape Town next week.
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Replacements’ arrival in South Africa
The 34-year-old Tu’ungafasi played for the All Blacks at the last two World Cups. Hannah made his first appearance for the national team last month, coming on as an injury replacement in the match against France in the Nations Championship.
Both called-up players are due to leave New Zealand on Sunday and arrive in South Africa on Monday. During the first two weeks of the six-week, eight-match tour, the New Zealanders have already brought in four replacements and won their first four matches.
