Sensitive drop: Scott Barrett misses All Blacks vs. France series due to injury

The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, has been ruled out for the rest of the series against France due to a calf injury. The news was confirmed this Tuesday morning, although no details were provided about Barrett’s recovery time.

Official replacements were not announced either, but Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu is among the options to replace Barrett in Wellington this weekend. Tupou Vaa’i could also be considered to fill the number 6 position, which he played in Dunedin.

The New Zealand captain was substituted in the 58th minute of the 31-28 victory in Dunedin, an exciting match where the All Blacks were forced to fight until the end against a weakened French team. Despite their inexperience, the French team exceeded expectations in a match marked by the constant interventions of the TMO.

It is likely that Ardie Savea, one of the two vice-captains of the team along with Jordie Barrett, younger brother of Scott, will replace Barrett as captain. Although he will no longer participate against France, Barrett hopes to return for the initial matches of the Rugby Championship against Argentina or in the expected consecutive matches against the Springboks, current world champions.