The All Blacks have been dealt a major setback on their northern tour, with star midfielder Jordie Barrett ruled out of the remaining Tests after sustaining ankle and knee injuries against Ireland.
Barrett limped off just 13 minutes into New Zealand’s 26-13 win in Chicago last weekend, and subsequent scans have confirmed the 28-year-old will take no further part in the tour.
An All Blacks statement on Wednesday confirmed Barrett had suffered “a high ankle injury as well as a minor knee injury”, forcing him to return home to begin rehabilitation under the Hurricanes’ medical team in Wellington.
“Barrett will return to New Zealand on Wednesday to begin his rehabilitation under the Hurricanes medical team,” the statement read.
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Coach Scott Robertson said the injury was treated on the team’s flight from Chicago to Edinburgh, where the All Blacks face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
In a further blow, captain Scott Barrett has also been ruled out of the Scotland clash after receiving 12 stitches for a deep leg cut suffered just three minutes into the Ireland Test. Blues lock Josh Beehre has been called up as cover.
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Despite the disruptions, the All Blacks will be determined to extend their proud unbeaten record against Scotland, having won 30 of their 32 encounters, with the Scots’ best results being two famous draws at Murrayfield (0-0 in 1964 and 25-25 in 1983).
– AFP
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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