It was worrying news for Leinster fans, as incumbent full-back Jordie Barrett was spotted departing Sydney International Airport in a knee brace.
Barrett had been in Australia for the All Blacks Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia, where by all accounts the soon-to-be Leinster star put on quite the show, making a stunning breakaway to set up a try just after the clock hit sixty seconds.
While Barrett's performance may have had Leinster fans frothing at the mouth, any excitement will have quickly turned to concern, with footage after the game showing Barrett limping in a knee brace after his side's win.
New Zealand had come out of the blocks racing, scoring after just sixty seconds and easing to a 21-point-to-nothing lead after fifteen minutes, it what looked set to be a whitewash for the Wallabies.
However, in unusual fashion, and against the grain of play, Joe Schmidt's Australia mounted a gallant comeback - closing the gap to fourteen by the break and an astounding three points by the time clock struck red, narrowly missing out on the upset of the season.
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Barrett Set For Potentially Lenghty Sideline Run
Unfortunately for Leinster, New Zealand's defiant defence came at the cost of utility back Jordie Barrett. According to reports by reputable New Zealand journalists, Barrett will undergo scans tomorrow when he returns to New Zealand, but the injury is believed to be MCL related.
Typically MCL damage keeps players sidelined for between three to six weeks, however, more severe tears can take significantly longer, and are often reoccurring injuries which plague players for months. While Leinster will be hoping that's not the case here, it is far from ideal preparation for Barrett's move to South Dublin.
A worrying sight for Leinster: Jordie Barrett in Sydney airport this morning.
Clear limp, brace on his left leg.
The talk amongst journalists covering the All Blacks is that he injured his MCL in the game against Australia yesterday.
🎥@ollieritchie1pic.twitter.com/EG455jPZna
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 22, 2024
Barrett's short-term move to Leinster was announced to much fanfare back in April, with it being revealed that the All Blacks star would come to Leinster in December as part of a short-term deal to provide cover for Leinster's internationals who'll be on Six Nations duty and preparing for the Lions Tour.
After joining up with the squad in December, all going well, Barrett will be available to Leo Cullen until the end of the season, when Leinster try to rid their recent woes and get their hands on some silverware.
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