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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor will miss the team’s hotly anticipated grudge match against Ireland next weekend.
Both players suffered head injuries in Sunday’s thrilling win over England.
The game became even more important recently because Johnny Sexton’s autobiography detailed his clash with Rieko Ioane at the World Cup.
Sexton no longer plays for Ireland, but when Ireland won the series in New Zealand, the tense aftermath of that game added to the problems between players.
Borden Barrett. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Barrett and hooker Taylor both left the field during the play and failed HIA.
Taylor was left flummoxed after making a tackle in the opener and was replaced by Asafo Aumua, who is expected to wear the number 2 jersey against Ireland.
Barrett began the season as the No. 1 pick under Robertson and was replaced by Damian McKenzie, a likely starter.
His kick was crucial in a game the All Blacks won when England’s George Ford missed his shot at a drop goal after the siren sounded.
Stephen Perofeta is also included in the squad, while Harry Plummer is expected to be called up in the All Blacks XV.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i suffered a leg injury and was substituted shortly after half-time, but Robertson told reporters he was optimistic he could play for Ireland.
“Cody is a world-class prostitute, one of the best two or three in the world and she’s in great shape,” Robertson told New Zealand media on a Zoom call on Sunday.
“I thought Beauden was playing the game pretty well until he banged.
“They will definitely be missed, but they will be around to give wisdom and prepare the rest of the players.”
Meanwhile, veteran England international Joe Marler, who outraged New Zealanders in a social media storm midweek, announced his Test career was over after 95 international caps.
Mahler made his England debut on the summer tour of South Africa in 2012 and was part of three Six Nations winning teams in 2016, 2017 and 2020.
He has also represented England in three World Cups, including the loss to South Africa in the 2019 final.
“It’s time to take the next step,” Marler said. “I’ve been very, very lucky to have experienced all the highs and lows in an England shirt. I will cherish them all. Because they all matter.”
He briefly retired from international rugby in 2018, but returned before the 2019 World Cup.
Mahler was named in Steve Borthwick’s autumn international squad but withdrew last week for personal reasons.
His last England game came against the All Blacks in July, when he broke his foot and had to be substituted after 17 minutes.
“Playing for England has always felt like living in a dream bubble. I kept waiting for it to blow up and suddenly I was back to being a nerdy, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it’s time,” Marler said on social media.
“I can’t do the things I used to do as well as I used to. I can’t keep saying my family is my priority unless they are actually my family.
“I want to keep all my memories of my career, good and bad, intact. I don’t want to leave the house with my kids crying. I am ready to make a difference.”
Marler apologized last week after calling the Haka “nonsense” and saying it should be vacated. All Blacks Scott Barrett said the comments motivated his team to a 24-22 win over England.
