Dave Rennie has confirmed that loosehead prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord face an uncertain return timeline after both sustained head injuries in the All Blacks' 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The pair clashed heads in the 37th minute while contesting a Springbok ruck and were escorted off for HIAs, with George Bower and Simon Parker completing the match in their places.
"It was a head clash which is problematic and long-term," Rennie said. "Obviously neither of those guys can play on Tuesday against the Lions. Probably can't play on Saturday; it depends on the protocols and what happened on the sideline."
De Groot had entered the match under a cloud, having fallen ill the day before. Rennie revealed the prop left Friday's captain's run early and spent the afternoon in bed before fronting up to start.
The All Blacks are also monitoring loose forward Anton Segner, who was withdrawn from the matchday bench before kick-off. Segner's swollen ankle has been assessed as acute inflammatory arthritis, and the tour management has yet to determine whether he will return to play or be sent home — adding to the four players already recalled from the tour.