New Zealand captain Ardie Savea will miss next weekend’s fourth Test against South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury in the All Blacks’ 29-24 loss to the Springboks.
The 32-year-old was forced from the field nine minutes before halftime on Saturday in a major blow for the All Blacks, who fell 2-1 behind in the four-Test series following the bruising defeat at Soccer City.
Savea had scored two tries before his injury, but his absence allowed South Africa to gain dominance and eventually claim victory.
“He won’t travel now (to the United States). We’ll work out what it will look like in the next few hours,” coach Dave Rennie told the post-match press conference.
The fourth Test will be played in Baltimore next Saturday.
Centre Quinn Tupaea also suffered a knee injury and will be a doubt for the clash, Rennie confirmed.
The two sides scored two tries each in a tight first half before the All Blacks appeared to take control when Will Jordan chased his own kick ahead and crossed to give New Zealand a 17-12 lead.
However, Jesse Kriel barged over at the other end before South Africa took full advantage.
Malcolm Marx then crossed for another try, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added a penalty to extend the Springboks’ lead.
A late try to Samisoni Taukei’aho narrowed the margin, but South Africa held on for the five-point victory.
Both teams are due to leave for the United States early Sunday on a shared charter flight.
The fourth Test gives the All Blacks an opportunity to level the series, which they led after winning the opening clash against the Springboks a fortnight ago before suffering successive defeats.
“They are world champions for a reason. Very good up front and they play a bit of footy tonight,” Rennie said.
- Court Dismisses Petition Against Safata MP - October 9, 2026
- Police Investigate Man’s Body Found on Small Sandbar Off the Coast of Palolo Deep - September 28, 2026
- Photo of the Day: Beautiful Rainbow Over Aopo - September 28, 2026
