In a major blow to their chances against Ireland, the All Blacks will be without two of their biggest stars after Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor were ruled out due to head injuries. The influential duo suffered concussions in New Zealand’s narrow 24-22 victory over England at Twickenham and failed subsequent Head Injury Assessments.
According to a source close to the team, Barrett and Taylor will now undertake a mandatory 12-day stand down period, meaning they will be unavailable for the crunch match against Ireland in Dublin on Friday. The news comes as a significant setback for head coach Scott Robertson as he prepares his side for one of their toughest challenges of the year.
Huge Losses in Key Positions
The absence of Barrett and Taylor leaves gaping holes in the All Blacks lineup in the pivotal positions of fly-half and hooker. Barrett, widely considered one of the best players in the world, was conducting the New Zealand attack with aplomb against England before being forced from the field. His vision, playmaking ability and vast experience will be sorely missed.
Taylor, meanwhile, lasted just six minutes at Twickenham before his head knock. Regarded as one of the top hookers in international rugby, his dynamism and leadership up front are critical to the All Blacks. Robertson hailed Taylor as “world class” and lamented that he was “in great form” prior to the injury.
They’ll be missed obviously but they’ll be around giving their wisdom and preparing the rest of the players.
– Scott Robertson on Barrett and Taylor
Opportunity for Understudies to Step Up
While undoubtedly disruptive, the injuries provide a chance for the next men up to make their mark in the famous black jersey. Utility back Damian McKenzie is likely to step into Barrett’s shoes at fly-half and bring his own brand of attacking flair and unpredictability. “D-Mac” has proven himself a more than capable performer at Test level when given an extended run.
Asafo Aumua came off the bench early to replace Taylor against England and impressed in his 74-minute cameo. The powerful front-rower has been knocking on the door for the starting spot for some time and now gets an opportunity to stake a claim on the big stage. Robertson was full of praise for how Aumua seized the moment at Twickenham.
Asafo, it was a great moment for him. He’d worked really hard to make sure that when he got an opportunity like that, he took it.
– Scott Robertson on Asafo Aumua
Toughest Test Awaits in Dublin
There’s no doubting the All Blacks face an uphill battle without two of their superstars against an Irish side that sits atop the world rankings. Ireland have been in imperious form of late, sweeping a series against the All Blacks in New Zealand in July before dismantling South Africa 24-4 last weekend. Playing in the cauldron of Lansdowne Road amplifies the degree of difficulty.
But this is a New Zealand outfit brimming with talent across the park and they showcased their resilience to close out England in a hostile environment. The All Blacks pride themselves on a “next man up” mentality and it will be needed more than ever against the Irish.
While Barrett and Taylor’s absences loom large, Robertson remains hopeful they will be fit to face France in Paris the following week in the final match of a grueling northern hemisphere tour. The head coach will undoubtedly be eager to have all hands on deck for a blockbuster clash with the defending Six Nations champions.
One thing is for certain – the show must go on for the All Blacks. And with the depth of talent at their disposal, you can never count them out, even without two of their biggest stars. The scene is set for a titanic tussle in Dublin on Friday that will captivate rugby fans around the globe. Who will emerge victorious in this latest chapter of one of the great modern rivalries in international rugby?
