Barrett to miss final Bledisloe

Wed, Oct 18, 2017, 9:04 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Steve Hansen has fronted the media for the last time ahead of the third Bledisloe Test. The All Blacks coach full of praise for Beauden Barrett's replacement and has suggested talk of the Wallabies' improvements will be put to the test on Saturday.

All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett will miss this weekend's final Bledisloe clash, with lingering concussion issues ruling him out of the Brisbane Test.

Barrett was still experiencing headaches after training this week, more than two weeks after a head knock suffered in New Zealand's 25-24 win over Springboks.

The 26-year-old has missed just one Test in the past two seasons, after cementing himself as the All Blacks' number one playmaking option in the post-Dan Carter era.

Lima Sopoaga will start at flyhalf for New Zealand, with Damian McKenzie remaining at fullback.

Waisake Naholo injured his hamstring against the Wallabies in August. Photo: Getty ImagesWinger Waisake Naholo comes into the side for the final trans-Tasman match, replacing the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder, who is set to miss seven months with a shoulder injury.

TJ Perenara comes onto the bench for the clash, replacing Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said both teams would have their own goals coming into the clash.

"Both teams have their own goals and expectations," he said.

"From Australia's point of view, they'll be desperate to win as they haven't done so for some time.

"For us, our goal is to never be satisfied at where we're at, and that means it's greater than just the outcome. It's about how we play, individually and collectively as a unit.  We're always striving to get better every game and this week is no different.

"As always, to do that, our preparation has to be spot on and bone deep.  It's an individual focus for each player. The job of the team management is to facilitate a training week which provides them with clarity and the right amount of intensity so that they can arrive on Saturday ready to hum.

"It'll be another great opportunity for this young team to show what they've learnt throughout the year and playing at Suncorp Stadium will be another fantastic learning experience for them all. It's a great ground with a lot of tradition and there'll be huge support for the All Blacks, which we're looking forward to."

Australia hosts New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday October 21, kicking off at 7pm AEST, 8pm AEDT, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Netowrk Ten, Win and RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

TEAM

IN: Waisake Naholo Anton Lienert-Brown, TJ Perenara,

OUT: Beauden Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Tawera Kerr-Barlow

1. Kane Hames (5)

2. Dane Coles (54)

3. Nepo Laulala (9)

4. Samuel Whitelock (92)

5. Scott Barrett (13)

6. Liam Squire (12)

7. Sam Cane (49)

8. Kieran Read (106) - Captain

9. Aaron Smith (67)

10. Lima Sopoaga (12)

11. Rieko Ioane (9)

12. Sonny Bill Williams (42)

13. Ryan Crotty (31)

14. Waisake Naholo (14)

15. Damian McKenzie (8)

Reserves

16. Codie Taylor (25)

17. Wyatt Crockett (67)

18. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (10)

19. Patrick Tuipulotu (14)

20. Matt Todd (10)

21. TJ Perenara (38)

22. Anton Lienert-Brown (18)

23. David Havili (2)

 

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