The All Blacks will be sweating on the fitness of brothers Scott and Jordie Barrett ahead of the test against Scotland after leg injuries forced the pair to leave the field during the 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago this morning. Captain and lock Scott Barrett limped off Soldier Field in the third minute, while younger sibling and second five-eighth Jordie, who is also one of the team's vice-captains, departed about 13 minutes later. Openside flanker Ardie Savea took over the captaincy in the absence of Scott Barrett, and Josh Lord slotted into the second row alongside Fabian Holland while Jordie Barrett was replaced by Leicester Fainga'anuku.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Scott and Jordie Barrett would be monitored by medical staff ahead of the second Grand Slam test against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh next weekend.
Robertson says they will see how long that is going to take, but it is a decent one. Barrett was seen clutching his lower leg after getting hurt and was immediately replaced. Jordie Barrett hurt his ankle when he was crunched in a tackle and despite appearing to be in great discomfort, he attempted to keep playing after the medical staff attended to his injury.
However he was replaced soon after Savea is no stranger to leading the All Blacks.
He rallied his troops after Ireland led 10-7 at halftime. The bumbling performances from both teams, they struggled with their lineouts and accuracy with passing and handling was an issue, meant the 62,000-strong crowd had little to distract them from their hot dogs and refreshments for long periods. But the All Blacks finished strongest with replacement players providing much-needed impact. Tries to substitute forwards Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi and starting halfback Cam Roigard enabled the All Blacks to claim their third consecutive victory over Ireland. Savea says he just goes out and does his job, that's what's expected of him, adding when one brother falls down, one steps up.
Scotland host the All Blacks next Sunday at 3am at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
