All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett ruled out of Wallabies Test

All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the Test against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday due to a shoulder injury.

The news was revealed today as the All Blacks released their team for the Rugby Championship Test which doubles as a Bledisloe Cup clash.

An All Blacks statement said Barrett would likely be available for the return match in Perth a week later.

Tupou Vaai’i and Fabian Holland are the starting locks, with the returning Patrick Tuipulotu named on the bench.

Barrett’s injury, and the requirement for Vaai’i to play lock, means the selectors have fewer options in terms of their loose forward mix – which stays the same as that which started in the humbling by the Springboks in Wellington.

Ardie Savea, who will captain the team in Barrett's absence, stays at openside flanker, with Wallace Sititi at No.8 and Simon Parker at blindside.

There are changes to the back three, however, with Will Jordan moving from right wing to fullback and Damian McKenzie dropping back to the bench.

Caleb Clarke will start on the left wing for his first Test of the year after recovering from an ankle injury, with Leroy Carter moving to the right wing.

Surprisingly, there is no change to the midfield, with Billy Proctor retaining his place at centre alongside Jordie Barrett.

There is no room for Leicester Fainga’anuku on the bench, despite his continued availability. Quinn Tupaea again has been named as midfield cover.

In another surprise, Peter Lakai has been named as loose forward cover on the bench rather than Du’Plessis Kirifi.

As expected, the returning Cam Roigard starts at halfback, with Codie Taylor starting at hooker.

Head coach Scott Robertson said: “With all teams being two from four in this Rugby Championship, we all have everything to play for in these final two rounds. We are preparing for a strong Australian side and understand the importance of this match and the Bledisloe Cup. There is a lot to play for on Saturday evening.”

Five players who were not involved in the two Tests against the Boks will be involved in the All Blacks’ attempt to extend their unbeaten record at Eden Park – Roigard, Clarke, Tuipulotu, Lakai and back-up halfback Cortez Ratima.

The All Blacks have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003, with 22 straight series wins.

Australia’s last win in a Bledisloe Cup match was November 7, 2020 in Brisbane (24-22).

The Wallabies must win both Tests to relaim the Bledisloe.

(Test caps in brackets)

1. Ethan de Groot (36)

2. Codie Taylor (101) (Vice-captain)

3. Tyrel Lomax (47)

4. Fabian Holland (7)

5. Tupou Vaa’i (44)

6. Simon Parker (3)

7. Ardie Savea (101) (Captain)

8. Wallace Sititi (13)

9. Cam Roigard (12)

10. Beauden Barrett (140) 

11. Caleb Clarke (29)

12. Jordie Barrett (75) (Vice-Captain) 

13. Billy Proctor (8)

14.  Leroy Carter (1)

15.  Will Jordan (48)

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Reserves: 16.  Samisoni Taukei’aho (37), 17. Tamaiti Williams (21), 18. Fletcher Newell (29), 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (54), 20. Peter Lakai (3), 21. Cortez Ratima (16), 22. Quinn Tupaea (19), 23.  Damian McKenzie (68).

Unavailable for selection: Scott Barrett (shoulder), Ollie Norris (back), Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius).