Barrett a doubt for England re-match

NEW Zealand centre Jordie Barrett, above, has injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and is a doubt for the start of the All Blacks‘ tour of the northern hemisphere.

The 27-year-old, who will join Irish side Leinster in December on a short-term deal, limped off at half-time during New Zealand’s 31-28 win over Australia on Saturday.

“Jordie Barrett is out for this weekend and will be reassessed before the northern tour,” said an All Blacks spokesman.

New Zealand play England on November 2 before matches against Ireland, France and Italy on the following three weekends.

Barrett was wearing a knee brace as he boarded a plane in Sydney at the weekend.

Recovery from a media collateral ligament tear is usually around six weeks – a timeline that would take his return to action right up to the meeting with England at Twickenham-although more severe tears can take longer.

New Zealand called up Crusaders’ uncapped back Chay Fihaki as a replacement for yesterday’s final Rugby Championship match against Australia.