SYDNEY: New Zealand suffered a setback ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Sydney on Saturday with Jordie Barrett ruled out injured.
The veteran centre is struggling with a tight calf and has been replaced by Timoci Tavatavanawai who will play only his third Test.
Chay Fihaki comes onto the bench to potentially make his debut.
"He experienced tightness during the last Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland and it has not settled sufficiently during the week for him to be available," New Zealand Rugby said of Barrett.
New Zealand crushed Australia 50-19 in the first Test last weekend.
Barrett's withdrawal is the latest in a long list of injuries for New Zealand.
Asafo Aumua, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder and Leroy Carter were all hurt last weekend and ruled out while Richie Mo'unga, Ruben Love and Ardie Savea are absent. - AFP
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