Super Rugby Pacific: Blues ease Beauden Barrett long-term injury fears after All Blacks star's early exit against RedsSuper Rugby Pacific: Blues ease Beauden Barrett long-term injury fears after All Blacks star's early exit against Reds[Photo: stuff.co.nz]Blues coach Leon MacDonald has allayed any fears over a long-term injury to All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett, who left the field injured in Friday's 45-26 victory over the Reds. Barrett, 31, didn't return for the second half in Brisbane as a potentially devastating blow to the All Blacks' plans for this year's Rugby World Cup in France. Up until that point, Barrett had been key for the Blues' 17-14 halftime advantage. A foot injury was cited as the reason for Barrett's early exit, however while an update from the Blues as to its severity will come, MacDonald can breathe a sigh of relief that his first-five hasn't suffered an injury to his knees, or previously troublesome Achilles. Meanwhile, Friday's win was key in boosting the Blues' hopes of a home semi-final.

Source: Stuff May 20, 2023 13:03 UTC