All Blacks flanker Anton Segner withdrawn from Springboks test due to ankle injury
Late Change for All Blacks Squad
The All Blacks have announced a late change to their squad for the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park. Flanker Anton Segner has been withdrawn from the team due to an ankle injury and will be replaced on the bench by Simon Parker.
Segner’s injury, which was announced approximately six hours before kick-off, has been diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis. The timeline for his return to play is currently undetermined. This withdrawal marks a significant development for the team as they prepare for the match in Johannesburg.
Segner’s Brief All Blacks Tenure and Parker’s Inclusion
Segner, who is in his first season with the New Zealand team, made his Test debut in the Nations Championship fixture against Italy, coming off the bench in a victory. He earned a second cap a week later against Ireland. The German-born flanker had secured his spot in the matchday 23 following strong bench performances in July and impactful starts against the Stormers and Bulls during the RGR tour.
In his appearances on South African soil, Segner reportedly achieved double-digit tackles and carries in both games. His efforts led to his selection for the number 19 jersey against the Springboks. His replacement, Simon Parker, featured in the tour matches against the Stormers and Bulls. Parker is now in line to potentially earn his ninth Test match for New Zealand.
Parker, a Chiefs player, was also part of the All Blacks‘ July squad but did not play in the three games during that period. He gained his first minutes alongside Segner in the victories against the Stormers and Bulls. During his season debut in Cape Town, Parker received a yellow card just 13 minutes into the game but returned to score a try before the end of the first half.
The change is a direct swap, ensuring that the starting loose forward trio of Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, and captain Ardie Savea will remain unchanged. Parker will join Peter Lakai on the bench as a forward replacement.
Team Line-up for Springboks Clash
The rest of the All Blacks team remains consistent with the initial selection. Damian McKenzie will start at full-back, with Will Jordan and Josh Moorby on the wings. The midfield will see Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea combining in the centres.
Ruben Love is named at first five-eighth, and Cam Roigard will start at halfback. The starting back row features Ardie Savea as captain, alongside Luke Jacobson and Tupou Vaa’i. In the second row, Fabian Holland and Josh Lord are named as the starting locks. The front row is completed by Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot.
The full list of replacements includes Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Simon Parker, and Peter Lakai for the forwards. Backline cover will be provided by Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Leroy Carter.
The match is scheduled to take place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August, 2026, with a kick-off time of 17:10 local SAST.
Source: planetrugby.com
