Chandler Cunningham-South tackles Codie Taylor of New Zealand. Twickenham. England vs All Blacks, 2024. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz
The All Blacks are counting the cost of their win over England with Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor in doubt for this weekend's clash with Ireland due to head injuries.
The All Blacks travel to Dublin today to prepare to take on Ireland on Saturday morning (NZT) and meeting them to join the camp as injury cover will be two additional All Blacks XV players and a returning All Black.
Beauden Barrett dives to score before the try was disallowed. England vs All Blacks. Twickenham, 2024. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz
With Taylor and Barrett both ruled out of the test due to concussion return to play protocols, hooker Brodie McAlister and first-five Harry Plummer will come in from the All Blacks XV squad.
Ruben Love will also return to the All Blacks squad after featuring for the All Blacks XVs in their win against Munster, and All Blacks XV loose forward Christian LIo-Willie remains in the camp as additional cover while Dalton Papali'i and Ethan Blackadder continue to rehabilitate at home.
Photo: PHILIP FONG
Midfielder Billy Proctor is also leaving the All Blacks end of year tour squad. He's returning to New Zealand as he and his partner await the birth of their first child.
Billy Proctor of New Zealand. New Zealand All Blacks v Fiji, International Rugby Union Test match at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, USA on Friday 19 July 2024. 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Test Series. Photo credit: Evan Denworth / www.photosport.nz Photo: www.photosport.nz
With Barrett out Damian McKenzie is likely to start at first-five against Ireland with Stephen Perofeta the other option.
Asafo Aumua, who replaced Taylor early into the England win, should take over as starting hooker with George Bell coming onto the bench.
This weekend's clash with Ireland is followed by a test against France in Paris and the All Blacks final game of the tour against Italy in Turin.
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