Jordie Barrett ruled out of second All Blacks Test against Australia

All Blacks back Jordie Barrett, aged 27, will be sidelined for this weekend's return Test against Australia following scans that revealed medial collateral ligament damage to his knee, sustained during the match in Sydney last Saturday.

The adaptable centre, who exited the field limping at halftime during the 31-28 victory over the Wallabies, will undergo further evaluation before a determination is made regarding his participation in New Zealand's tour of Japan and Europe scheduled for October and November.

Anton Lienert-Brown took Barrett's place at inside centre for the second half at Stadium Australia last weekend and is expected to do so again for New Zealand's final Test of the Rugby Championship in Wellington on Saturday.

David Havili remains another specialist midfield option within Scott Robertson's squad.

With outside back Ruben Love also ruled out due to a thigh injury, the All Blacks have summoned uncapped utility Chay Fihaki into the squad as backline reinforcement.

Will Jordan was shifted to full-back at the last minute in Sydney when Barrett's brother, Beauden, fell ill. However, two-time World Player of the Year Barrett is anticipated to be available for Saturday's match.

Tighthead prop Fletcher Newell has rejoined the squad after missing the trip to Australia due to a calf injury sustained while coming off the bench in the second test against South Africa in Cape Town earlier this month.

The All Blacks have faced two defeats in South Africa, along with a surprising home loss to Argentina, which means they cannot defend their Rugby Championship title this season. Nevertheless, they secured the Bledisloe Cup for another year in Sydney last weekend.

The defeat to the Pumas occurred in Wellington, where the All Blacks have not achieved victory in five Tests dating back to 2018.

Following Saturday's match, the All Blacks will next compete against Japan in Yokohama on October 26th, before proceeding to Europe for November Tests against England, Ireland, France, and Italy.