George Bell’s tour is over before it started, with the All Blacks hooker’s injury taking the shine off the team’s hero’s welcome in South Africa.

Crusaders star Bell went down at training in Cape Town and has been replaced in the squad by the uncapped Blues rake Bradley Slater.

George Bell of the All Blacks looks on. Getty

“We are all gutted for George, to be ruled out of the tour so early,” All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said.

“He’s had a frustrating past few months with injury so it’s a real blow for him to have injured his calf again.”

Bell is expected to be sidelined for at least the next six weeks.

The attrition rate was always going to be high as the All Blacks embark on a demanding eight game, seven week tour that ends with a fourth Test against the world champions in the United States on September 13.

Rennie would not have been banking on a tour-ending injury before it started.

The first game is against the Stormers on Saturday (AEST), where the All Blacks can expect plenty of support from the locals.

The All Blacks are particularly revered in Cape Town, a holdover from apartheid when many South Africans – including the ‘Cape Coloured’ community – chose to support New Zealand over the then all-white Springboks.

About 4000 enthusiastic supporters watched the All Blacks shake off their jet lag at an open training session at DHL Stadium.

“It’s incredible. I know our players often talked about the support that all the Super Rugby teams used to get here and the All Blacks get here,” Rennie said.

“It’s an awesome place to start our campaign in Cape Town and the support is incredible. We’ve got to make sure we embrace the country and embrace the challenge. The support we receive in Cape Town is always tremendous.”

All Blacks tour captain Codie Taylor is leading the squad before skipper Ardie Savea’s arrival before the first Test at Ellis Park on August 23 (AEST).

The Test centurion was amazed by the scenes.

“I was actually, like a lot of our media staff and marketing staff had said, like, you’d be blown away when you come out and that was exactly the way it was,” he said.

All Blacks fans welcome the team to Cape Town. YouTube

“We walked out and there were a few thousand fans screaming, and it was a bit of a sea of black in terms of the jerseys and stuff they’re wearing.

“The fans over here are just a whole other level. It’s pretty impressive to see, and we know we’ve got a lot of support here.”

Crusaders veteran Taylor misses the old days of South Africa tours, which ended during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It sucks not being able to come over here for Super Rugby,” Taylor said.

“I used to love those tours, love the contests that we had against the South African clubs. It’s a different brand of rugby to what we get back home, and you get a taste of it when you come over here. Big, physical men, great set-piece sides, but also backs that can burn you pretty quick.”

There was a backlash from some staunch Springboks fans on social media for the locals’ support of the All Blacks, which included belting out the New Zealand national anthem from the grandstand.

“It’s always been a place where the All Blacks have been loved. They were the No.1 team for the people of colour for a long time,” ex-New Zealand coach Steve Hansen told the Rugby Unity podcast.

All Blacks fans welcome the team to Cape Town. YouTube

“I think there’s a lot more unity behind South Africa (now), they’ve done a really good job bringing the country together as one, but they’re (All Blacks) still a team that’s remembered for what they have done and are well-loved, so it’s good to see.

“I also think there’s a deliberate ploy by the All Blacks to make sure they behave in a manner that’s respectful and encourage fans to actually get in behind them.

“You’ve got a combo there of a team wanting to be seen to be doing the right thing and the fans who actually love them, so there’s a lot of excitement about this tour, and it’s been a long time since they’ve had something like this, other than maybe the Lions.”

Rennie confirmed that Beauden Barrett would start against the Stormers after not getting on the park during the Nations Championship.

Ruben Love – a decade younger at age 25 – started all three Tests at No.10.

“I’ve said it before, Beauden’s really impressed me. He’s training superbly. His contribution has been excellent, very professional,” Rennie said.

“He’s been incredibly supportive of Ruben. It’s tough for him because he’s probably trained well enough to get an opportunity, but we felt Ruben needed time in the seat, and he’s done a really good job there.

“Beauden gets his opportunity against the Stormers, which is exciting, and he’s keen to rip in.”

Beauden Barrett and Ruben Love of the All Blacks. Getty

All Blacks squad

Forwards: Ardie Savea (c), Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa

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