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All Blacks captain Sam Cane admits it is disappointing to lose Beauden Barrett to injury on the eve of the first Bledisloe Cup game, but his enthusiasm for the team’s first test in nearly a year has not diminished.
Sam Cane.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020 www.photosport.nz
Barrett has been ruled out for Sunday afternoon’s crash in Wellington with an Achilles tendon injury that erupted in training.
He has been replaced by Damian McKenzie, who enters as a fullback from outside the opening day 23.
Cane, who will lead the team for the first time since becoming the All Blacks’ new patron, is eager for the game to kick off Sunday afternoon in Wellington.
“The excitement is probably an understatement, it’s been a long time, so finally being here is amazing. I have enjoyed the whole week, going back to the processes of the test week and the structure of it and now, we all know that it is now fun time. “
Beauden Barrett.
Photo: PhotoSport
Coach Ian Foster said Barrett’s injury is not serious and that he will likely be available for Test 2 next weekend against the Wallabies in Auckland.
“Beauden is out and Damian is in, at 15. Beaudy’s Achilles lit up a bit in training yesterday afternoon,” coach Ian Foster said in Saturday’s captains race.
“He calmed down overnight and he’s not too bad, he’s kicking now, but we just made a decision for the first test to get him out early.”
Damian McKenzie.
Photo: Photosport
Foster said bringing in McKenzie to replace Barrett was the least disruptive option for the team.
“He’s a quality 15 and he’s ready to play. It means fewer interruptions for the rest of the team with all other positions equal.”
Foster believes Barrett should be available for the second round of the Bledisloe Cup next weekend in Auckland.
Cane acknowledges that Barrett’s retirement is disappointing, but is confident it will not affect the team’s performance against the Wallabies.
Cane is confident his Chiefs teammate McKenzie will get the job done.
“Disappointing for Beaudy obviously, as he was looking forward to this game. But I have full confidence that Damian will step up.”
Cane hopes to be confronted by a motivated and physical side of the Wallabies under new mentor Dave Rennie, who was Cane’s coach on the Chiefs.
“If I know Dave Rennie, he will have taught him to work hard, to fight for every inch, very physical, but he will also like to use the ball. There will be no moments when we can disconnect.
