All Blacks' scrum suffers injury blow as Ethan de Groot ruled out

The All Blacks are set to face the World Champion Springboks in Johannesburg and Cape Town in the coming weeks. However, they will now do so without the talented de Groot.

"Ethan de Groot has been ruled out of the two Tests against South Africa due to a neck injury and will continue his rehabilitation in New Zealand," read the All Blacks' short update on social media.  

"George Bower will join the squad as injury cover."

De Groot joins injured lock Patrick Tuipulotu and outside back Stephen Perofeta on the sidelines. The prop's all-round performances have seen him become a regular starter in New Zealand's front row, where his size and mobility are felt by the opposition.

Bower, who has 21 caps for the All Blacks since his debut in 2021, missed selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The Crusaders' prop last featured for the All Blacks in their 25-all draw with England in 2022.

It caps off a trying week for the defending Rugby Championship title holders, who were dealt an administrative blow with the shock resignation of assistant coach Leon McDonald.

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