All Black Jordie Barrett has been ruled out for the rest of the Northern Tour following the injury he sustained in the test against Ireland.
Scans have confirmed a high ankle injury as well as a minor knee injury.
The All Blacks vice-captain will return to New Zealand on Thursday to begin his rehabilitation under the Hurricanes medical team.
Barrett was forced off the pitch in the first half of the side’s 26-13 in Chicago. He appeared to receive treatment on his knee before having it strapped, however, a high ankle injury caused by an accidental hip-drop tackle was the main issue.
The 78-test capped veteran has played the third most minutes for the All Blacks this season, behind only Ardie Savea and Will Jordan, and provides a long-range kicking option and versatility in the backline.
With Barrett heading home, 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.
The All Blacks skipper has also been ruled out of Sunday’s test against Scotland in Edinburgh. All Blacks XV and Blues lock Josh Beehre has been called into the squad as training cover while Ardie Savea is expected to take over the captaincy duties.
The All Blacks squad will be named overnight Friday.
All Blacks Grand Slam schedule
Sunday, November 2, 9.10am – All Blacks 26 Ireland 13, Soldier Field, Chicago
Sunday, November 9, 4.10am – All Blacks v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sunday, November 16, 4.10am - All Blacks v England, Twickenham, London
Sunday, November 23, 4.10am – All Blacks v Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
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