All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has confirmed Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor won’t play the grudge match against Ireland in Dublin this weekend because of the head injuries they suffered in the 24-22 win over England in London on Sunday morning.
Robertson’s joy of watching the All Blacks claw their way back off a cliff-edge and secure the heart-thumping victory was tempered by the injuries that will force him to reshuffle selections for the Ireland fixture.
Taylor was dazed after attempting a tackle in the opening minutes and he was immediately replaced by Asafo Aumua who is expected to start in Dublin, with George Bell on the reserves bench.
Barrett left the park in the second half.
Damian McKenzie is expected to return to the No 10 jersey; the latter will be out to prove a point after being demoted to the bench for the test against England.
McKenzie, who took the field as a replacement in the second half of the match in London, kicked a crucial penalty when England No 8 Ben Earl blundered by making a no-arms tackle, and then slotted the sideline conversion of the late try scored by wing Mark Tele’a.
There is also cover in Stephen Perofeta from within the squad.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i hurt his leg and was replaced soon after halftime but Robertson was optimistic he would be fit to play Ireland.
If he doesn’t recover, the All Blacks have an able replacement in Patrick Tuipulotu.
Robertson will also call up reinforcements from the All Blacks XV squad like outside back Ruben Love, first-five Harry Plummer, hooker Brodie McAlister.
Ireland, still hurting from losing the World Cup quarterfinal in Paris last year, will be fizzing to deliver payback for the loss at Stade de France.
Ireland host the All Blacks at Aviva Stadium at 8.10am Saturday.
[Source: Stuff.co]
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