The All Blacks are reportedly set to be without one of their key players for the deciding third Test against Ireland in Wellington on Saturday.

According to the New Zealand Herald, utility forward Scott Barrett is likely to be ruled out for the clash after starting at lock in the defeat in Dunedin last week.

It is understood that Barrett did not train fully on Tuesday due to what is thought to be an achilles injury. The Crusaders captain was, however, named to start at blindside flank on Thursday.

Blues loose forward Akira Ioane is expected to be promoted to start at blindside and Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i will come on to the bench to provide cover for locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick.

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