Experienced All Blacks Assistant Coach Jason Ryan Provides Insights on Scott Barrett’s Recovery Timeline
In a recent interview, All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan confirmed that second-row captain Scott Barrett will miss the opening Rugby Championship matches against Argentina due to a finger injury. The influential lock underwent surgery on the issue, which he sustained during the team’s convincing victory over Fiji last month.
Despite the loss of Barrett’s intensity, physicality, and lineout skills, Ryan asserted that the experienced forward will be available for the crucial encounters against the Springboks in rounds three and four of the tournament. “He’s out for two Tests, Argentina one and Argentina two,” the coach stated frankly.
The absence of Barrett presents an opportunity for Ardie Savea to take on the captaincy role in his stead. Ryan acknowledged that the All Blacks’ set-piece performance against England was an area of concern, but expressed confidence that the team had rectified these issues in their recent clash with Fiji, where they achieved a 98% success rate at the lineout.
Looking ahead to the Argentina matches, Ryan emphasized the need to quickly adapt to the visitors’ unique defensive system and intensity. “Argentina will bring a little bit of a different defensive system. We’ve definitely got to build up where we’ve left off pretty quickly. Argentina, they bring a different intensity to the first three Tests that we’ve had, so we’re looking on improving on the areas that we need to.”
The coach highlighted the abrasive nature of Argentina’s backrow players, such as Marcos Kremer and Pablo Matera, and the importance of the All Blacks establishing their rhythm early in the encounter. However, Ryan expressed confidence in his team’s ability to build upon the progress made in their attack during the Fiji match, particularly in their carry and clean game.
“Argentina will bring a little bit of a different defensive system. We’ve definitely got to build up where we’ve left off pretty quickly. Argentina, they bring a different intensity to the first three Tests that we’ve had, so we’re looking on improving on the areas that we need to.”
As the All Blacks prepare to face the Pumas, the absence of Scott Barrett will undoubtedly present a significant challenge. However, with the experienced Savea taking the captaincy reins and the team’s focus on addressing the set-piece and attacking issues, the defending Rugby Championship champions will be determined to maintain their dominance in the opening rounds of the competition.
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