All Blacks v South Africa: Prop Ethan de Groot to miss tour due to injury

Ethan de Groot will miss the next two Rugby World Cup pool matches. Photo / Photosport

The All Blacks will be without prop Ethan de Groot for their two tests in South Africa as he has not recovered from a neck injury suffered two weeks ago.

George Bower comes in to the squad as injury cover for the two-match tour to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The 26-year-old was subbed after 59 minutes in the shock 38-30 defeat to Argentina in Wellington and did not take the field at Eden Park when the All Blacks demolished Argentina 42-10.

Bower has had a torrid run with injuries of his own, missing the bulk of the 2023 season with a knee issue.

The first match of the All Blacks vs Springboks series is on August 31, with the two sides doing battle for the first time since the Rugby World Cup final.

The South Africans head into the series after taking two wins against the Wallabies to open their Rugby Championship campaign.