The Barrett Brothers, who are absent from New Zealand’s group against Japan
Boden, Scott, and Jordy Barrett stayed in the country to attend the funerals. Sam Whitlock and Will Jordan are also out with injuries.
By Le Figaro with AFP
published
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Six All Blacks players, including the three Barrett brothers Absent from the New Zealand group who took off on Saturday morning (local time) for Japan to play the first match of their fall tour in a week.
Coach Ian Foster has explained that Beauden’s three siblings, Geordie and Scott Barrett, will be staying in New Zealand for their grandmother’s funeral, and that they will join the group later.
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Scrum-half Folau Vakatava, who made his international debut against Ireland in July, will be out for several months after sustaining a knee injury in training.
Two other players, Sam Whitelock and winger Will Jordan, are also out for an unknown period with inner ear problems, although Foster said he hopes Whitelock will return for the first game in Europe, against Wales on November 6.
Four additional players were called up to the squad: versatile linebacker Damian McKenzie, half Brad Weber, second line Patrick Tuipuluto, and hooker Asafu Oumuwa.
New Zealand begins their tour against Japan in Tokyo on October 29, before playing Wales, Scotland and England.
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