All Blacks lose prop Tu'ungafasi for Tests in South Africa

All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has withdrawn from the team's Rugby Championship matches in South Africa because of a neck injury, New Zealand head coach Ian Foster confirmed on Tuesday.

Tu'ungafasi, 30, picked up the knock during the third Test loss to Ireland in Wellington, which saw the All Blacks suffer a first home series defeat since 1994.

He will sit out New Zealand's Test matches in South Africa on 7 August in Nelspruit and a week later in Johannesburg, with the All Blacks under pressure against the world champions after losing four of their last five games.

?? INJURY UPDATE | Ofa Tu’ungafasi unfortunately won’t travel to South Africa due to a neck injury.?? Fletcher Newell will join the squad as a replacement. pic.twitter.com/i4DYjpwjoQ

It is hoped Tu'ungafasi will recover in time to join the squad for their home Tests against Argentina on August 27 in Christchurch and a week later in Hamilton.

Tu'ungafasi has been replaced in the All Blacks squad by 22-year-old uncapped Crusaders prop Fletcher Newell for the tour of South Africa.