The Barrett brothers are absent from the New Zealand group to start the tour
Not Japan for the Barrett family. Six players, including three brothers, are missing from the New Zealand group that took off on Saturday, as Japan play the first match of their autumn tour in a week. Coach Ian Foster said quarterback (or half-volley) Bewden and quarterbacks Jordi and Scott in the second row will remain in New Zealand for their grandmother’s funeral, and will join the squad later.
Whitelock and Jordan are also absent
Other absentees include Fulau Vakatava, who made his first international match against Ireland in July and will be sidelined several months after sustaining a knee injury during training. Two other players, Sam Whitelock and winger Will Jordan, will be out for an unknown period of time due to inner ear problems, although Foster said he hopes Whitelock will return for the opening game in Europe, against Wales on November 6.
Four additional players have been called up to the squad: versatile linebacker Damien Mackenzie, half Brad Webber, second rower Patrick Tuipuloto, and prostitute Asafu Omua.
New Zealand kicks off their tour against Japan in Tokyo on October 29, before playing with Wales, Scotland and England.
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