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3w ago

All Blacks Captain Scott Barrett Ruled Out for Rest of France Series

Vice-captain Ardie Savea steps into the captaincy with selectors evaluating Patrick Tuipulotu or Tupou Vaa'i as back-row cover.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Quarter Final - Ireland v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 14, 2023 New Zealand's Scott Barrett during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
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Overview

  • The All Blacks confirmed on July 7 that Barrett’s calf injury will sideline him for the remaining Tests of the France series with no timetable for his return.
  • Ardie Savea, one of the team’s vice-captains, is expected to lead New Zealand for the upcoming Wellington Test.
  • No immediate replacement for Barrett at No. 7 has been named as coaches consider Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu or a positional shift for Tupou Vaa'i.
  • Barrett sustained the calf strain in the 58th minute of New Zealand’s 31-28 win in Dunedin over an understrength France squad.
  • Barrett is targeting a comeback for the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina or the subsequent Tests with the Springboks.