The All Blacks will have to take on the Springboks without one of their key players later this year.
Captain Scott Barrett will miss New Zealand’s highly anticipated tour of South Africa after being ruled out for up to five months with a serious back injury.
Outgoing Crusaders coach Rob Penney confirmed on Wednesday that the All Blacks captain will undergo surgery later this week after exhausting all non-surgical treatment options.
“He has tried every non-invasive trick you could do to get right and it just hasn’t come off,” Penney told reporters in Christchurch.
SPECIAL REPORT: Inside Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Barrett had taken a sabbatical and was initially expected to return to action in April, but ongoing complications forced medical staff to opt for surgery.
“It’s a pretty special trip to South Africa that he’s going to miss,” Penney admitted.
Barrett will also miss New Zealand’s July Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
MORE: Crusaders turn to ex-All Blacks coach
The Crusaders have been dealt another setback, with All Blacks star Will Jordan ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season because of a calf injury.
He is, however, expected to recover in time for the July internationals.
– AFP
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
