The All Blacks have suffered a setback ahead of their second test match against France this weekend after Fiji-born winger Sevu Reece and Captain Scott Barrett have been ruled out due to injuries from the 31-27 win over France on Saturday.
Reece suffered a concussion in the 1st minute of the match after going in for a tackle, while Barrett was replaced midway through the second half to manage an Achilles issue.
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan says apart from the two injuries, everyone else just has bumps and bruises, and are pretty sore.
Ryan says sometimes you have got to win in the mud, and even though there was no mud out there on Saturday, they found a way.
He says there was grit and there was blood in the sheds with cut eyes, but it will set them up, as they showed some composure at the right time.
Meanwhile, Reece’s absence might see another Fiji-born player, Emoni Narawa, who is included in the All Blacks squad as injury cover, stepping up after only two specialist wingers were selected in the initial July squad.
Barrett’s Achilles issue is thought to be minor but if he is ruled out, Ardie Savea would assume the captaincy.
The second test between the All Blacks and France will kick off at 7.05pm this Saturday in Wellington.
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