Scott Barrett's Injury Adds Challenge for All Blacks Ahead of Second Test

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out for the remainder of the test series against France due to a torn calf muscle, according to assistant coach Scott Hansen. Barrett, 31, left the field in the first test in Dunedin after 57 minutes and was later confirmed to have sustained a significant injury that will prevent him from playing in the second and third matches.

"The process at the moment medically is Scooter [Barrett] won’t be available for the rest of the series," Hansen said. "There are just some options for us to consider and what that looks like in the replacement of the group, so we’re going through that at the moment."

This is a significant blow for the All Blacks, who are already dealing with the absence of No 8 Wallace Sititi (ankle), prop Tamaiti Williams (knee), and winger Sevu Reece, who was ruled out of the second test in Wellington due to concussion. Reece was assessed with a category one head injury after being knocked out during a tackle in the first minute of the Dunedin match.

With Barrett out of the picture, loose forward Ardie Savea is expected to take over the captaincy. The All Blacks are also considering a reshuffle in the pack, with Tupou Vaa’i potentially shifting back to the lock position. If Vaa’i remains at blindside flanker, veteran Patrick Tuipulotu could be brought into the starting side alongside Fabian Holland, with two loose forwards on the bench.

Reece’s absence on the right wing presents a challenge, as the All Blacks only selected two specialist wings in their July squad. Will Jordan was moved to the right wing from fullback after Damian McKenzie replaced Reece, and his performance—scoring two tries and having a third disallowed—has encouraged the coaching staff to consider keeping him in that position for the next test.

Other potential candidates for the matchday 23 include Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, and Emoni Narawa, who was included in the squad as injury cover. The All Blacks will need to find a balance between experience and fresh legs as they aim to maintain their momentum in the series.

Coach Scott Robertson has emphasized the need to improve the team’s finishing in the days leading up to the second test in Wellington. With Barrett sidelined, the focus will shift to how the All Blacks adapt and whether they can maintain their high standards without one of their most influential leaders on the field.