Anton Segner ruled out for rest of All Blacks tour

New Zealand loose forward Anton Segner has been ruled out for the remainder of the All Blacks’ Greatest Rivalry tour after undergoing ankle surgery, head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed.

Anton Segner ruled out after ankle surgery

Segner was originally selected among the replacements for New Zealand’s opening Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park but was withdrawn shortly before kick-off after developing significant swelling in his ankle.

The 25-year-old’s condition was initially assessed as acute inflammatory arthritis before he underwent further medical examinations and minor ankle surgery.

Segner will travel with the All Blacks to Cape Town but will play no further part in the remaining fixtures on the tour as he begins his recovery.

All Blacks lose Segner for remaining Tests

The injury brings an early end to Segner’s involvement after he featured prominently during New Zealand’s build-up matches in South Africa.

The German-born forward produced an impressive performance during the All Blacks’ 50-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria and had been selected for the opening Springboks Test before his late withdrawal.

His absence leaves New Zealand without another loose-forward option as they prepare for the remaining three Tests of the series.

Dave Rennie rules out replacement call-up

Despite losing Segner, Rennie confirmed the All Blacks do not currently plan to call another player into the touring squad.

With the franchise matches now completed, the New Zealand coach Rennie believes there is sufficient loose-forward depth within the existing squad to cover the remaining Tests.

The All Blacks now turn their attention to the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town following their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park.