Scott Barrett ruled out for two tests, Savea takes over captaincy role

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out for two tests after suffering a finger injury against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians last month in San Diego which required surgical treatment.

This has seen All Blacks number 8 and Moana Pasifika’s new signing Ardie Savea taking over the captaincy role in the upcoming Rugby Championship opener against Argentina, with Jordie Barrett and Codie Taylor sharing the vice-captaincy duties.

Coach Scott Robertson has also brought in Blues playmaker Harry Plummer, who enjoyed a fantastic Super Rugby Pacific season, as injury cover for Stephen Perofeta who is managing a little niggling injury according to assistant coach Jason Ryan.

The All Blacks will take on Argentina at 7.05pm this Saturday in Wellington, while the Wallabies will take on the Springboks at 4.30pm Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.