All Blacks scrumhalf Noah Hotham joins squad in South Africa

Scrumhalf Noah Hotham is joining the All Blacks in South Africa to provide cover following a significant injury toll on the New Zealand squad. Hotham arrives ahead of the first test match against the Springboks to assist after Cortez Ratima suffered a knee injury and Cam Roigard remains sidelined with a calf injury.

The tour has seen several players depart or struggle with fitness, including hooker George Bell, center Billy Proctor, and winger Caleb Clarke. Additionally, prop Ollie Norris has been ruled out of the tour due to a knee cartilage injury and will return to New Zealand. Other players currently managing injuries include flyhalf Damian McKenzie and winger Will Jordan.