Extent of Beauden Barrett’s injury confirmed after ‘not looking particularly good’ as concerns worsen for Scott Robertson and the All Blacks
Blues and All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett.
The Blues have suffered another setback after it was confirmed that Beauden Barrett is set to miss a large portion of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign after fracturing his right hand.
Barrett sustained the injury during the Blues’ 21-20 defeat against the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday.
Although the Blues did not confirm how long the All Blacks utility back would be sidelined, they announced via an official statement that he had broken his hand.
‘Suffered a hand fracture’
“The Blues medical team has confirmed that Beauden Barrett, who was forced out of the game at halftime, has suffered a hand fracture,” read the statement on the Auckland-based outfit’s official X page, formerly known as Twitter.
“The injury requires ongoing assessment before determining details of treatment or time required for recovery.”
After starting at full-back in the Blues’ first three Super Rugby Pacific matches – against the Chiefs, Highlanders and Hurricanes – Blues head coach Vern Cotter selected Barrett at fly-half for the clash with the Brumbies.
The 33-year-old delivered a superb attacking performance during the opening 40 minutes as he contributed seven points courtesy of a well-taken try and a conversion.
Barrett eventually gained 65 metres with ball in hand after making eight runs with two clean breaks and five defenders beaten.
With Barrett on the field, the Blues held a 20-10 lead at half-time but they lost their way when he departed at the interval as the Brumbies outscored them 11-0 in the second half to clinch their first win at Eden Park since 2013.
When queried on Barrett’s injury after the interval, Cotter said: “It doesn’t look particularly good.”
Barrett’s injury a concern for Scott Robertson
The injury to Barrett will also be a concern for All Blacks boss Scott Robertson ahead of his side’s upcoming three-Test series with France in New Zealand in July.
Barrett and Damian McKenzie shared the fly-half duties during most of the All Blacks’ matches in 2024 while Harry Plummer, who replaced Barrett against the Brumbies on Friday, was Robertson’s third choice number 10.
McKenzie also sustained a knee injury in the Chiefs’ victory over the Brumbies last week and did not feature for the Hamilton-based side in their loss to the Fijian Drua on Saturday, but is not expected to be on the sidelines for too long.
Meanwhile, Plummer will not be available for the All Blacks in 2025 after signing a three-year contract with Top 14 outfit Clermont Auvergne.
Photo credit: James Foy/Speed Media AU/Iconsportswire
