All Blacks Face Scotland Without Injured Barrett Brothers

The All Blacks will be without key players Scott and Jordie Barrett for their upcoming test match against Scotland due to injuries sustained during their recent victory over Ireland. The match, held on October 29, 2023, in Chicago, ended with a score of 26-13 in favor of New Zealand.

Scott Barrett, the team captain, suffered a significant laceration to his leg just three minutes into the game, requiring a dozen stitches. His brother, Jordie Barrett, sustained an ankle injury that forced him off the field in the 13th minute. After the match, the All Blacks returned to Edinburgh, where both players underwent initial assessments yesterday.

The timeline for their recovery remains uncertain, as further medical evaluations will determine their potential return to action. In response to their injuries, Josh Beehre from the All Blacks XV has been called up as a replacement.

As the team prepares for the test against Scotland, Fabian Holland and Josh Lord are expected to start as locks, with Sam Darry and Samipeni Finau also available as options. Following Jordie Barrett’s exit in Chicago, Leicester Faninga’anuku stepped in, taking over the center position, while Quinn Tupaea moved to second five-eighth.

Other midfield options include Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Rieko Ioane, providing depth and versatility as the All Blacks adapt to the absence of the Barrett brothers. The squad set to face Scotland will be announced on Friday, November 3, 2023.

As the All Blacks gear up for this crucial match, the focus will be on maintaining their strong performance while navigating the challenges posed by these injuries. The team will aim to build on their recent win and continue their successful run in the international arena.