Hotham called into All Blacks squad as Norris departs with knee injury

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed two changes to their Greatest Rivalry Tour squad, with Chiefs prop Ollie Norris ruled out of the four-Test series against South Africa after sustaining a knee cartilage injury, and Crusaders and Tasman halfback Noah Hotham called in as cover for Cortez Ratima.

Norris, who came off the bench in both the Sharks and Stormers tour fixtures before missing the Bulls clash, becomes the fourth player to leave the tour early. New Zealand Rugby confirmed his return to play is expected to be approximately six weeks, with a replacement prop to be announced in due course.

The All Blacks retain front-row cover in Siale Lauaki and George Bower, both of whom can play on either side of the scrum, meaning the squad is not immediately stretched despite Norris’s departure.

Hotham’s call-up comes after Ratima picked up a niggly knee injury during Sunday’s Bulls game. The 23-year-old, who has earned three All Blacks caps, was overlooked for the July Nations Championship window and also missed out on the original 44-man squad for the South Africa tour. He has been in form at provincial level, featuring in all three of Tasman’s Hilux NPC matches against North Harbour, Hawke’s Bay, and Counties Manukau.

“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,” New Zealand Rugby said in a statement. “He is due to arrive on Tuesday, South Africa time.”

Hotham will join camp ahead of the first Test, with the severity of Ratima’s injury still being evaluated.