All Blacks captain Savea ruled out of South Africa finale

The All Blacks suffered a significant blow to their squad depth following their 29-24 loss to the Springboks on Saturday, with captain Savea unable to continue in the fixture. The injury to the loose forward has forced the New Zealand Rugby Union to rule him out of the concluding Test match scheduled for the following weekend.

Savea has been a central figure in the All Blacks' recent campaign, providing leadership and intensity in the forward pack. His absence represents a notable gap in New Zealand's lineup as they prepare for their final encounter with the South African side.

The defeat in Johannesburg marked a competitive affair between the two southern hemisphere powerhouses, with the Springboks edging out their rivals in a tightly contested match. The result has added urgency to the All Blacks' preparations for the final Test, now complicated by the need to manage the captain's absence.

New Zealand rugby selectors will need to adjust their plans for the concluding fixture, with focus shifting to identifying a suitable replacement for Savea in the leadership group and on the field. The All Blacks will look to bounce back from the setback when they face South Africa again in the coming week.