Beauden Barrett in doubt for Rugby Championship with hand injury
All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett could be in doubt for the Rugby Championship due to a hand injury.
It’s understood the injury is linked to the same issue the veteran No. 10 sustained in March while playing for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
Barrett has not been named in the 23-member squad for Saturday night’s third Test against France in Hamilton.
He started at fly-half in the first and second Tests against France.
Damian McKenzie replaces him at first five-eighth, with Ruben Love earning his first start at fullback.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson confirmed Barrett was undergoing an X-ray on his right hand.
He says Barrett was an option to play, but they want to manage him carefully.
Robertson was reluctant to go into further detail on the injury.
Losing his most experienced playmaker remains a concern ahead of the Rugby Championship, which kicks off next month.
Will Jordan has been moved from fullback to the bench as Robertson hands McKenzie and Love a chance to start.
Robertson had promised to give his full squad an opportunity against the French.
The All Blacks have already sealed the series 2–0 heading into the final Test at Waikato Stadium.
Barrett is the team’s first-choice No. 10 and was expected to start in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Córdoba on August 17th.
The All Blacks face France at 7.05pm tomorrow at Waikato Stadium.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
