Overview
- Head coach Scott Robertson confirmed both Barretts are unavailable for Saturday, with Scott sidelined by a deep leg laceration requiring multiple stitches and Jordie out after high-ankle and knee blows.
- Jordie Barrett has undergone scans to gauge the extent of his injuries, with assistants acknowledging concern about his longer-term outlook while stressing he had tried to play on.
- Blues lock Josh Beehre has been called in as training cover, with Josh Lord and Fabian Holland reported as likely starters in the second row and Sam Darry a probable bench option.
- New Zealand aim to keep a 120-year unbeaten record against Scotland intact as the tour’s Grand Slam pursuit continues, while Scotland draw belief from recent narrow losses and an 85-0 win over the United States.
- Both injuries occurred early in the 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago, after which coaches highlighted strong bench impact and a need to start better heading into team selection this week.