Ethan de Groot to miss New Zealand's Rugby Championship games against South Africa

New Zealand have been dealt another blow ahead of the South African leg of the Rugby Championship with Ethan de Groot sidelined by an injury.

The 26-year-old sustained a neck injury during the opening game of the Rugby Championship against Argentina in Wellington.

He will now be replaced by Crusaders prop George Bower in the squad. Brower made his All Blacks debut in 2021 and has been involved with Crusaders since 2019 when the current All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was in charge of the club.

The All Blacks are already without the services of Patrick Tuipulotu and Stephen Perofeta due to injuries and now de Groot's absence will further hamper their chances as they face stiff challenge against the World Champions.

The All Blacks are at second place in the Rugby Championship with a defeat and a victory apiece in the two matches. They will now face the Springboks at Emirates Airline Park on 31st August before the two teams meet again on 7th September at DHL Stadium.

Squad update as we head to South Africa ???? pic.twitter.com/jrWpwaLkax

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 23, 2024