Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Quarter Final - Ireland v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 14, 2023 New Zealand's Scott Barrett during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
(Reuters) -All Blacks captain and lock Scott Barrett has been ruled out of the last two tests in the July series against France by a calf tear sustained in the opening clash last weekend, the team said on Tuesday.
The All Blacks edged a weakened France team 31-27 in Dunedin last Saturday and will be looking for improved performances in the matches in Wellington this weekend and Hamilton on July 19.
Barrett's injury, confirmed by a scan on Monday, means lock Fabian Holland could get a second test after making his debut last weekend, while Tupou Vaa'i is an option to move back into the second row after playing at flanker in the first test.
Vice-captain Ardie Savea is likely to lead the All Blacks out at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
