All Blacks and Springboks prepare for Test series opener at Ellis Park

The All Blacks and Springboks are set to begin a four-Test series this Saturday at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Both squads face significant injury concerns heading into the opener. The All Blacks have dealt with several departures due to injury, including Caleb Clarke, Billy Proctor, George Bell, and Ollie Norris. To bolster their front row, New Zealand has called up Highlanders prop Saula Ma‘u. Additionally, the availability of Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima remains uncertain.

On the South African side, head coach Rassie Erasmus has noted that captain Siya Kolisi is managing a side injury, while loosehead prop Ox Nche is dealing with a knee issue. Due to these concerns, the Springboks will delay their team announcement until Thursday.

Ahead of the match, Erasmus has requested that the Johannesburg crowd remain quiet during the All Blacks’ Haka to respect the tradition, citing the positive reception the New Zealand side received during their recent match in Cape Town. The series will conclude with a fourth Test in Baltimore, United States.