All Blacks star Beauden Barrett will not feature for the Blues in this Saturday’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final against the Highlanders after NZ Rugby confirmed that his season-long absence has made him ineligible for a late call-up.
The former Blues fullback returns from his Japan sabbatical leave on the same day, starting first-five Otere Black limps off the training paddock.
Barrett hasn't featured for the Blues during their 2021 Super Rugby campaigns, after leaving to take up a short-term deal with Japanese Top League side Suntory Sun Goliath.
Newshub.co.nz reported that Barrett was seen fully participating at a training session yesterday where Black was forced to leave halfway through, with a knock to his lower leg.
Assistant coach Daniel Halangahu dismisses Black's departure from training is purely "precautionary" and he is expected back with the group for Thursday's session, although Barrett's mere presence alone adds plenty of value in such a critical week.
However, Assistant coach Tom Coventry last week insisted that Barrett would not be considered for selection unless there was an injury within the squad.
The Blues will face the Highlanders in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final at 7.05pm Saturday.
[Source: Newshub.co.nz]
