Noah Hotham called into All Blacks camp as prop departs

New Zealand Rugby have announced two changes to the Greatest Rivalry Tour squad ahead of a four-Test series against South Africa, with Chiefs prop Ollie Norris heading home after picking up an injury.

Norris, who will be the fourth player to depart the tour, took the field from the bench against both the Sharks and the Stormers to kickstart the tour, before missing the recent Bulls clash.

The Chiefs prop’s knee cartilage injury leaves the All Blacks short in the front row department, but Dave Rennie’s side have enough cover for now in Siale Lauaki and George Bower, who can play both sides of the scrum.

Crusaders and Tasman halfback Noah Hotham will join camp ahead of the first Test, covering for Cortez Ratima, who picked up a niggly knee injury against the Bulls on Sunday morning.

Hotham was left out of the July Nations Championship window and also missed selection in the 44-man squad for South Africa. The 23-year-old has represented the All Blacks on three occasions.

The halfback has played all three Hilux NPC clashes for Tasman, against North Harbour, Hawke’s Bay, and Counties Manukau.

“All Blacks prop Ollie Norris has sustained a cartilage injury in his knee and will be returning home from South Africa. His return to play is expected to be approximately 6 weeks. A replacement prop will be announced in due course,” the All Blacks announced.

“Tasman Mako halfback Noah Hotham is being called into the All Blacks squad as injury cover, while Cortez Ratima’s knee injury (sustained in the Bulls game) is assessed. He is due to arrive on Tuesday, South Africa time.”