All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has confirmed mixed injury news ahead of their blockbuster clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
New Zealand head into their penultimate Test of 2025 looking to close out the season strongly, with Robertson’s men aiming to finish with just two defeats from 13 matches.
Two more losses would match their tally from last year – the first under the former Crusaders boss.
From the team’s training base in Teddington, Robertson said there was optimism around captain Scott Barrett’s recovery, but confirmed that wing Caleb Clarke will not feature on Saturday.
“Scott Barrett’s making great progress,” Robertson told reporters on Monday. “Tomorrow’s training is important for him to get through, for him to be available. But he’s tracking well.
“Caleb Clarke’s unavailable for this Test match; he’s got a 12-day stand-down and is looking good for the next Test match.”
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Robertson added that player management has been a key consideration as the All Blacks enter the final stretch of an 11-game Test campaign.
“Of course, we’re a few games in. You’ve got a decent Test schedule, and you manage them through training, mental load and physical load. And your meetings.
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“It’s great here, you walk off the back deck and you’re at training. You’ve got no bus time. It’s a beautiful little village.
“It’s great we had that four-week period before we came over, to get ourselves physically ready and freshen up, and get a bit of UV before we head over here.
“It’s been good. The boys are fresh, but battle-hardened.”
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