Ethan de Groot Out of Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa Due to Neck Injury

New Zealand's prop Ethan de Groot has been sidelined from the upcoming Rugby Championship tests in South Africa due to a neck injury. George Bower will replace him in the squad. De Groot was injured in a match against Argentina and missed the subsequent game. New Zealand prepares to face South Africa with a slightly altered lineup.

New Zealand prop Ethan de Groot has been ruled out of the two Rugby Championship tests in South Africa after sustaining a neck injury, officials said on Friday. George Bower will replace him in the squad.

De Groot, 26, was taken off after 59 minutes of the 38-30 defeat to Argentina in Wellington on Aug. 10 and did not feature against the same opposition a week later as New Zealand won 42-10.

Bower, 32, who debuted in 2021 and has played 21 tests, was not part of the initial squad chosen by new coach Scott Robinson due to a knee injury. Now recovered, Bower is ready to step in.

New Zealand will face the world champions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Aug. 31 and again a week later in Cape Town. South Africa leads the tournament with 10 points from two wins over Australia, five points ahead of New Zealand.

(With inputs from agencies.)