All Blacks first-five eighth Beauden Barrett and loosehead prop Ethan de Groot will not feature in this week’s Bledisloe Cup rematch due to injury.
Barrett sustained an AC shoulder injury during the All Blacks' 33-24 win against the Wallabies last night, and he needs scans to determine his time on the sidelines.
Without surgery, the injury usually requires anywhere from two to 12 weeks to recover.
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan said as the team departed for Perth today that they are not sure, but it’s a decent injury.
Rather than call in Chiefs and Taranaki No. 10 Josh Jacomb, the All Blacks are banking on Damien McKenzie and Ruben Love remaining fully fit as their only playmaking cover in Perth.
Ryan says they have a short week to prepare, and they will keep it pretty light, so they are satisfied with where they are at.
Meanwhile, de Groot will also remain at home after failing his head injury assessment (HIA) following a head clash with All Blacks lock Fabian Holland.
Tamaiti Williams will replace de Groot while Tevita Mafileo is travelling as cover.
Last night's win against the Wallabies confirmed that the Bledisloe Cup will remain in New Zealand for another year.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 9.45pm Saturday at Optus Stadium in Perth.
NZ Herald
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