Rugby World Cup 2023: Withdrawals and injuries…the condition of the Lions team forces against France – New Zealand

New Zealand defense coach Scott McLeod said on Monday that All Blacks' Jordie Barrett's participation in the World Cup opener on Friday, September 8, against the French team, was in doubt.

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McLeod said when asked about the absence of Barrett (26 years old, 52 matches): “He has a problem with his left knee. We preferred to keep it. It is just a minor injury. We do not want to take any risks.” ).

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The Deputy Prime Minister added: “We will wait to see how he reacts to the treatment. He will receive further treatment tomorrow (Tuesday, editor's note). We prefer to be careful, that's all. We are only at the beginning of the week.” Ian Foster.

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Barrett started in the midfield position during the last preparatory match, which witnessed a resounding defeat against South Africa (35-7). In his absence, Anton Lienert-Brown or David Hafeli could take his place alongside Riko Ioane.

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Second row Brody Retallick (knee), third row Shannon Frizzell (tendon) and prop Tyrell Lomax (leg) have already withdrawn from the game against the Blues. Three-time world champions the All Blacks open the World Cup with an upset against Antoine Dupont's France.