The Daily Star Ireland
Leinster is awaiting updates on a knee injury sustained by their new recruit, Jordie Barrett, who is set to join the team next week. The versatile All Black has been excluded from the matchday squad for New Zealand’s final November international against Italy and is undergoing scans to determine the severity of the injury.
Barrett initially injured his knee while playing for New Zealand against Australia in September but had recovered in time to feature in matches against England, Ireland, and France. However, during the intense match at Stade de France, he had to leave the field after just 36 minutes due to the injury.
Barrett, who signed a short-term contract with Leinster earlier this year, is expected to be part of their squad for the rest of the season. However, Leinster’s coaching staff, including Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber, may be concerned about the potential impact of a re-injury, which could affect his integration into the team during a busy period.
Leinster’s upcoming fixtures include a match against Ulster on Friday week, followed by Champions Cup games against Bristol and Clermont Auvergne, and festive fixtures against Connacht and Munster. In January, they’ll face La Rochelle away and Bath at home before the Irish internationals depart for the Six Nations.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s head coach, Scott Robertson, has named a strong team for their final international of the year. Notable inclusions are Sam Cane and TJ Perenara, who will make their final appearances for the All Blacks. Ethan de Groot returns to the squad after a suspension earlier in the month, although Tamaiti Williams remains sidelined due to injury.
After a close loss to France in Paris, New Zealand is determined to finish the year with a strong performance against Italy. The All Blacks’ lineup includes Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clark, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, and other key players, with several strong substitutes available.
