(Reuters) – The All Blacks have called up Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Patrick Tuipulotu and Asafo Aumua for next week’s Test against Japan after injuries and a bereavement in the Barrett family prevented six players from traveling to Tokyo on Saturday.
Weber will replace scrumhalf Folau Fakatava, who picked up a season-ending knee injury, while Tuipulotu will stand in for Sam Whitelock and McKenzie for full-back Will Jordan, both of whom have inner ear problems.
Brothers Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett stayed behind in New Zealand following the death of their grandmother but were due to arrive in Tokyo later this week in time for Saturday’s game, New Zealand Rugby said in a statement. Hooker Aumua will travel to Japan on Sunday as cover for Dane Coles who is ‘solving’ another calf problem.
All substitutes were drawn from the All Blacks XV squad preparing for the games against Ireland ‘A’ in Dublin on November 4 and the Barbarians at Tottenham Stadium on November 12.
“Players can rejoin the All Blacks XV on tour,” the statement added. “All possible additional additions for the All Blacks XV are now being worked through.”
The All Blacks continue to travel to Wales, Scotland and England for back-to-back weeks of November Tests following the game against Brave Blossoms at Tokyo’s National Stadium.