LONDON — Both Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor will not participate in New Zealand’s upcoming match against Ireland due to head injuries sustained during their recent game against England at Twickenham.

During the thrilling encounter, which resulted in a narrow 24-22 triumph for New Zealand, both players were unable to pass the in-game head injury assessments. They have consequently been placed on a mandatory stand down for 12 days.

New Zealand’s coach, Scott Robertson, expressed his concerns on Sunday, highlighting the significant impact their absence would have on the team. “Codie’s a world-class hooker — among the best two or three in the world — and in great form. Beauden was conducting the game pretty well, we thought, until the bang,” he stated. While acknowledging their loss, he noted that both players would remain involved with the team, sharing their experience and supporting their teammates as they prepare for the match.

The All Blacks are set to face Ireland this Friday in Dublin. In light of Barrett’s injury, Damian McKenzie is expected to step into the flyhalf position for the starting lineup. McKenzie played the final minutes of the match on Saturday and successfully converted two crucial goal attempts.

As for Taylor, Asafo Aumua, who substituted for him just five minutes into the game, is likely to take the starting position against Ireland, with George Bell anticipated to serve as a backup on the bench. Additionally, Robertson has called upon uncapped hooker Brodie McAlister and flyhalf Harry Plummer from the All Blacks XV, which recently secured a 38-24 victory over Munster in Limerick. It’s worth noting that Plummer has only one international cap, earned during a match against Australia in September.

In other developments, flanker Peter O’Mahony has reportedly regained fitness after a hamstring injury that sidelined him since October 5. He was able to participate in a 40-minute appearance during the match against Munster and has now joined Ireland’s training camp in Portugal.