All Blacks v Scotland: Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett ruled out of Murrayfield test

The All Blacks have been dealt a double injury blow for this Sunday’s test against Scotland, with both captain Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett ruled out of the clash.

All Blacks XV and Blues lock Josh Beehre has been called into the squad as training cover.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Jordie Barrett had a scan on arrival in Edinburgh and they were awaiting the results but confirmed both he and brother Scott won’t be taking the field this Sunday.

Jordie Barrett was forced off the pitch in the first half of the side’s 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago due to a left leg injury.

All Blacks assistant coach Tamati Ellison said yesterday the group were “a wee bit nervous” around the midfielder’s status for the remainder of their Grand Slam tour.

Ellison said the fact that he couldn’t play through the pain was an alarming sign.

“He is tough. He was wanting to play on, and that probably makes us a wee bit nervous with how tough he is and having to come off. Fingers crossed. We’ll see what the scans say in the morning.”

Barrett appeared to receive treatment on his knee before having it strapped and trying to play on, however, Ellison said he believed a high ankle injury caused by an accidental hip-drop tackle was the main issue.

Their timeline did not allow for Barrett to get scans while in the United States.

“We jumped straight on a plane after the game,” Ellison said. “The plane had a few bits but it didn’t have an MRI machine.”

With Barrett in the casualty ward, Leicester Fainga’anuku could be promoted to the starting line-up in a move that would likely see Quinn Tupaea shift from centre to second five-eighth.

There are plenty of midfield options, however, with Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor and Rieko Ioane also available. Of the available choices, only Tupaea and Lienert-Brown have started in both midfield positions at test level.

It was a tough day in Chicago for the Barrett brothers, with captain Scott also having his day ended early due to injury after he suffered a laceration to his right leg within the first five minutes of the game.

Ellison said Barrett received stitches to treat the wound.

With the skipper ruled out today, that means Sam Darry would be in line for a test return – joining Fabian Holland and Josh Lord.

“We’ll pick the strongest team we expect for a physical test match,” Robertson said today as the All Blacks began their preparation for Sunday’s test and retain their unbeaten record against Scotland.

“We’re well aware of it and we’re proud of it. We know how big the occasion is this weekend and we’ve canvased it with the boys to make sure we’re all aware. There have been a hell of a few games the last two, they’ve come down to the wire. Full respect we’re coming up against a Scotland team with eight [British and Irish] Lions in it some generational players there. It’s going to be a game for the ages.”

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.