Barrett training injury gives

CHRISTCHURCH: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has moved to allay fears that Beauden Barrett could be set for another lengthy stint on the sideline after sustaining a knock at training on Tuesday.

Barrett has been ruled out of this weekend’s test against the Pumas in Christchurch after injuring his neck during a routine cleanout drill.

Three weeks ago, Barrett suffered a nasty fall on to his neck from a great height while attempting to catch a high ball in the first test loss to the Springboks in South Africa — yet Foster is unflustered by the nature of the latest injury.

‘‘Not really,’’ Foster said after maintaining the same starting team and injecting Stephen Perofeta in place of Barrett on the bench for his test debut.

‘‘It’s based on the injury and data we got from the medical staff that it’s going to take a little while to free up.

‘‘He took a knock in the neck during a cleanout drill and it’s quite stiff. It’s not too bad, though. There’s no HIA issues but there’s enough there to stop him being free, so we made an early call.’’

At this point, Foster suggested Barrett could recover in time for next week’s return test against the Pumas in Hamilton.

‘‘It’s daybyday at the moment. I haven’t heard anything to say he’s not going to be available next week, but we’ll see what unfolds.’’

All Blacks and Crusaders lock Scott Barrett reflected his brother’s disappointment at the timing of the blow.

‘‘He’s doing all right,’’ Barrett said.

‘‘It’s frustrating when you get ruled out during a training session during the week. We’re feeling for him, but Stevie will step in and do a superb job.’’

Barrett’s absence paves the way for Richie Mo’unga to retain the starting first fiveeighth duties on his home patch after delivering an influential performance in the inspired

Ellis Park victory. Mo’unga’s early territorial control, his depth and width of passing helped spark the All Blacks upset triumph on the back of a vastly improved forward platform.

Seven years after debuting for Whanganui against

HorowhenuaKapiti, six years after progressing to first represent Taranaki, classy Blues playmaker Perofeta is now in line to savour his test debut.

When he takes the Orangetheory Stadium field at firstfive or fullback the 25yearold will become the first All Black who

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Waiting in the wings . . . Stephen Perofeta and Finlay Christie, who have been named on the bench for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship match against the Pumas tomorrow, warm up during a training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin last month.