New Zealand called two replacement players into its Tri-Nations rugby squad on Sunday after a series of injuries during its weekend win over South Africa at Pretoria.
Prop John Afoa and veteran flanker Marty Holah will join the All Blacks ahead of their final Tri-Nations match against the Springboks at Rustenburg on Saturday.
Afoa replaces Greg Somerville, who tore the Achilles tendon in his right leg during Saturday’s 45-26 win.
Holah takes the place of looseforwards Reuben Thorne, who broke his thumb, and Chris Masoe, who strained his ankle.
Somerville is out for at least six months, Thorne is out for six weeks and Masoe is out for between four and six weeks, the New Zealand Rugby Union said.
Fullback Leon MacDonald injured his hip and is not being considered for next Saturday’s match but no backline replacement has been named. – Sapa