Japan tour begins without the Barrett brothers

Mathieu WARNIER, Media365, published Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm.

Due to a family bereavement, the Bewden brothers, Jordi and Scott Barrett, forgo a trip to Japan with the Blacks.

The All Blacks won’t be complete to start their tour. While New Zealand must face Wales, Scotland and then England in the Autumn Nations Series, Ian Foster’s players will first circle through Japan. Indeed, the new winners of the Rugby Championships will challenge the “Brave Blossoms” next weekend at the National Stadium in Tokyo as part of a promotional tour for one of their partners. A journey in which many players will appear in their absence. Facing the press, the All Blacks coach confirmed that the Beauden brothers, Jordie and Scott Barrett would not be able to wear the New Zealand colors due to a family bereavement and that they would join the group after this first meeting in order to participate after the last round. In Europe before the 2023 World Cup.

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Several other absences have been added to these three absences. He seriously injured his knee during a training session, and the scrum half Folau Fakatava will be out for several months. Sam Whitelock and Will Jordan will not be on the flight due to inner ear issues. However, Ian Foster said he is confident of having a second streak for the match against Wales on November 5. To make up for these absences, the All Blacks crew decided to call up four additional players. Absent since New Zealand’s victory over the United States in October 2021, Damien Mackenzie will bring his versatility to the backlines. Scrum half Brad Webber, who has been left out for a long time, will be there, as will second streak Patrick Tuipuloto and prostitute Asafu Omoa. Players who will therefore have the opportunity to earn their place in the All Blacks group.