Super Rugby Pacific: Blues ease Beauden Barrett long-term injury fears after All Blacks star's early exit against Reds

Blues coach Leon MacDonald has allayed any fears over a long-term injury to All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett, who left the field injured in Friday's 45-26 victory over the Reds.

Barrett, 31, didn't return for the second half in Brisbane as a potentially devastating blow to the All Blacks' plans for this year's Rugby World Cup in France.

Up until that point, Barrett had been key for the Blues' 17-14 halftime advantage.

A foot injury was cited as the reason for Barrett's early exit, however while an update from the Blues as to its severity will come, MacDonald can breathe a sigh of relief that his first-five hasn't suffered an injury to his knees, or previously troublesome Achilles.

So far this season, the All Blacks have seen Sevu Reece and George Bower both ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with knee injuries, while Quinn Tupaea is doubtful after a similar injury in late 2022 left him in a race to be fit.

Meanwhile, Friday's win was key in boosting the Blues' hopes of a home semi-final.

The win saw the Blues overtake the Hurricanes - who they face next week at Eden Park - into fourth on the ladder, just four points back of the Crusaders in second place after their victory over Moana Pasifika.

Source: newshub