The All Blacks' preparations for the Rugby Championship have hit a major snag. Captain Scott Barrett, a key player in New Zealand’s second-row, has been sidelined with a serious finger injury that required surgery after their match against Fiji. The team's uncertainty about Barrett’s recovery timeline has left them scrambling for solutions. With the Rugby Championship fast approaching, this injury has exposed a significant gap in their lineup, raising concerns about how they will adjust their game plan.
With Barrett out of action, the responsibility falls heavily on veteran Patrick Tuipulotu and rising star Tupou Vaa’i. Tuipulotu, despite his own recent injury troubles, will need to step up as a seasoned leader in Barrett’s absence. Meanwhile, Vaa’i is expected to take on a significant role alongside Tuipulotu. “The plan is to give Vaa’i more game time while Barrett recovers,” says head coach Scott Robertson. Also, keep an eye on Sam Darry, who recently earned his first cap and might make an appearance on the bench.
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