New Zealand captain Ardie Savea will miss the fourth Test against South Africa due to a shoulder injury sustained during the third Test in Johannesburg. The injury occurred after a clearout from Jasper Wiese, and Savea was visibly in pain, leaving the field with his right arm in a sling.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie confirmed the injury, stating, "Yes, [it's a] shoulder injury. Not sure if it's dislocated, but he certainly won't be travelling to the States." Savea’s absence is a significant setback for the All Blacks as they aim to level the series in Baltimore next Saturday. Rennie acknowledged Savea’s impact, saying, “Oh, yeah, I think he [Savea] was massive, wasn't he? But you know, Wallace Sititi came on and played well.”
In addition to Savea, flanker Luke Jacobson suffered an elbow issue during the bruising third Test, necessitating a back row reshuffle. Outside centre Quinn Tupaea is also expected to miss the match with a potential MCL damage to his knee, requiring further evaluation.
The fourth Test will be held at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. South Africa will be without wing Cheslin Kolbe, who has broken his jaw, but Grant Williams, Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie are all in contention to play.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy