Jordie Barrett’s availability for the second Bledisloe Cup take a look at in Wellington is in critical doubt after struggling what seems to be an MCL harm to his left knee through the All Blacks’ 31-28 win over Australia in Sydney.
Barrett was pressured off the sector at halftime and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed that his situation stays a priority.
It’s a headache for New Zealand and a serious trigger for concern for Irish province Leinster, who confirmed that they signed Barrett on a short-term deal again in April. He is because of begin his stint on the URC heavyweights in December.
The 27-year-old was filmed in a knee brace at Sydney Worldwide Airport, suggesting he’ll be out of motion for a spell.
“Sore and a scan tomorrow,” Robertson stated when requested about Barrett’s harm. Barrett’s harm, which left him hobbling noticeably, raises the probability that the All Blacks might want to make additional changes to their backline for the upcoming take a look at.
Robertson didn’t present a definitive timeline for Barrett’s return however advised warning, even when the scan reveals no extreme harm.
“That’s proper, we’ve acquired that time period to get that month beneath the belt to get the knee to 100 per cent,” Robertson stated. “And it offers us the chance to play a few different gamers.”
This window of restoration time – with the All Blacks’ subsequent match not till October 26 in opposition to Japan – ought to provide an opportunity for Barrett to relaxation and absolutely recuperate with out being rushed again into motion.
His absence in Wellington will pressure one other reshuffle of the backline, persevering with a sample of injury-enforced modifications all through this Rugby Championship marketing campaign.
“Typically when your hand’s pressured, it may be a constructive, the way in which it’s labored out with guys taking alternatives this yr,” stated Robertson.
Additional scans are set to find out the extent of Barrett’s harm however it’ll definitely be worrying for Leo Cullen, Jacques Nienaber and the remainder of the Leinster teaching ticket. Barrett and Springbok second-row RG Snyman had been the Irish giants’ two mega-star signings over the summer season they usually look to finish a barren run with out silverware.
