Statement: Another All Black stood down with immediate effect

New Zealand confirmed on Sunday that Norris will return home after sustaining a cartilage injury in his knee.

The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, ruling him out of the upcoming four-Test series against the Springboks.

A replacement prop will be announced in due course.

Norris becomes the latest casualty of a demanding tour, with New Zealand already dealing with a growing injury list ahead of the opening Test against the world champions in Johannesburg.

Caleb Clarke has also been forced to return home after suffering an injury that required surgery, while several other key players are being monitored.

The All Blacks have also confirmed that Noah Hotham has been called into the squad as injury cover for Cortez Ratima.

Ratima suffered a knee injury during New Zealand's comfortable 50-19 victory over the Bulls in Pretoria and will now be assessed ahead of the Springboks series.

Head coach Dave Rennie admitted after the Bulls victory that New Zealand had several injury concerns, with Damian McKenzie nursing an ankle problem and Xavier Numia dealing with a stiff Achilles. Will Jordan and Cam Roigard, however, are progressing towards potential returns.

The All Blacks face the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 22, in the first of four Tests between the great rivals.

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