Autumn Nations Series: New Zealand dealt blow as Beauden Barrett, Codie Taylor ruled out of Ireland Test with concussion
Published 03/11/2024 at 19:44 GMT
New Zealand have been hit with a double blow as Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have been ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series meeting with Ireland on Friday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Taylor was withdrawn within six minutes of New Zealand's 24-22 victory over England on Saturday, while Barrett was removed from play in the 64th minute after a head injury.
No Filter Rewind: England denied by New Zealand in 2024 Autumn Nations Series classic
Video credit: TNT Sports
Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett have been ruled out of New Zealand's upcoming Autumn Nations Series clash against Ireland with concussion, in a significant double blow for Scott Robertson's side.
Taylor was withdrawn in the opening six minutes at Twickenham on Saturday for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), while Barrett was taken off 16 minutes from time after also suffering a knock to the head.
The All Blacks were undeterred by the injuries to their key men, however, as they edged a frenetic affair with 24-22 victory over England.
But they face a tough trip to Ireland on Friday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - and New Zealand boss Robertson said the influential pair would "be missed".
"Codie's a world-class hooker, among the best two or three in the world, and in great form," Robertson told New Zealand media on Sunday.
"Beauden was conducting the game pretty well, we thought, until the bang. They'll be missed obviously, but they'll be around giving their wisdom and preparing the rest of the players."
- 'This is the real one this time' - England prop Marler confirms international retirement
- ‘Ready to go’ - Ireland select O’Mahony for All Blacks clash
- Borthwick urges England to 'accelerate the learning' after 'width of a post' loss to All Blacks
Friday's clash at Aviva Stadium will be the first time the two sides have met since their World Cup quarter-final showdown in October 2023, in which the All Blacks prevailed with a 28-24 win before eventually losing to South Africa in a low-scoring final.
The absences of Taylor and Barrett could open the door for Damian McKenzie to start at fly-half, while Asafo Aumua seems likely to fill the void at hooker.
And the New Zealand boss is confident that the pair can prove adequate replacements.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/02/4058010-82297853-2560-1440.jpg)
‘We are very close to being a good team’ – George desperate for England to ‘take next step’
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He's pretty laid back, D-Mac [McKenzie]," he said. "He'll take whatever role is required. He's had the keys for a period of time and he's got them back in his hands now.
"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."
The showdown will kick off another bumper weekend of international rugby, with England set to face Australia, Italy taking on Argentina and France facing Japan, with every moment available to watch live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
---
Stream the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement