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No CEO, no head coach, but the All Blacks can fire pot shots at Australia
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All Blacks and Leinster sweating on significant Jordie Barrett injury
By Ian Cameron
Jordie Barrett’s availability for the second Bledisloe Cup test in Wellington is in serious doubt after suffering what appears to be an MCL injury to his left knee during the All Blacks’ 31-28 win over Australia in Sydney.
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Barrett was forced off the field at halftime and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed that his condition remains a concern.
It’s a headache for New Zealand and a major cause for concern for Irish province Leinster, who confirmed that they signed Barrett on a short-term deal back in April. He is due to start his stint at the URC heavyweights in December.
The 27-year-old was filmed in a knee brace at Sydney International Airport, suggesting he’ll be out of action for a spell.
“Sore and a scan tomorrow,” Robertson said when asked about Barrett’s injury. Barrett’s injury, which left him hobbling noticeably, raises the likelihood that the All Blacks will need to make further adjustments to their backline for the upcoming test.
Robertson did not provide a definitive timeline for Barrett’s return but suggested caution, even if the scan shows no severe damage.
“That’s right, we’ve got that period of time to get that month under the belt to get the knee to 100 per cent,” Robertson said. “And it gives us the opportunity to play a couple of other players.”
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This window of recovery time – with the All Blacks’ next match not until October 26 against Japan – should provide a chance for Barrett to rest and fully recover without being rushed back into action.
His absence in Wellington will force another reshuffle of the backline, continuing a pattern of injury-enforced changes throughout this Rugby Championship campaign.
“Sometimes when your hand’s forced, it can be a positive, the way it’s worked out with guys taking opportunities this year,” said Robertson.
Further scans are set to determine the extent of Barrett’s injury but it’ll certainly be worrying for Leo Cullen, Jacques Nienaber and the rest of the Leinster coaching ticket. Barrett and Springbok second-row RG Snyman were the Irish giants’ two mega-star signings over the summer and they look to end a barren run without silverware.
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