Japan tour begins without the Barrett brothers

The All Blacks will not 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 make their way through Japan. Indeed, the new winners of the rugby league will take on the Brave Blossoms next weekend at the National Stadium Park 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 don the New Zealand colors due to family bereavement and that they would join the group after this first meeting in order to participate after the final round. In Europe before the 2023 World Cup.

➡️ Some team updates as we head to Japan.

More details at https://t.co/9U1B1Ga5J4 pic.twitter.com/iaJANpGNu5

All Blacks October 21, 2022

Mackenzie Weber returns

Several other absences have been added to these three. He seriously injured his knee during a training session, and scrum half Folau Fakatava will be out for several months. Sam Whitelock and Will Jordan will not be on the trip due to inner ear issues. However, Ian Foster said he was confident with the second line for the match against Wales on 5 November. To make up for these absences, the All Blacks staff decided to call up four additional players. Absent since New Zealand’s victory over the United States in October 2021, Damian McKenzie will bring his versatility to the back lines. Long-dismissed scrum-half Brad Weber will be there, as will second-line Patrick Tuipuluto and hooker Asafu Oumuwa. Players who will thus have the opportunity to earn their place in the All Blacks group.