The Albany Gazette - Barrett brothers could miss All Blacks Test in Japan after bereavement

Coach Ian Foster said world-class siblings Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett will remain in New Zealand for the funeral and are in doubt for the Test in a week's time in Tokyo.

"It's sad news for the Barrett family, so those three will go down with their family and rejoin us mid-to-late next week," Foster told reporters at Auckland's airport.

Three other players also missed the flight with injury, including scrum-half Folau Fakatava, who is ruled out of the All Blacks' northern hemisphere tour with knee damage suffered in training on Thursday.

Two first-choice players -- lock Sam Whitelock and winger Will Jordan -- have both developed inner ear conditions and it is unclear when they will be fit to play.

Foster said veteran forward Whitelock could be ready for the first of three Tests in Europe, against Wales on November 6. Then come Tests against Scotland and England.

"Will's probably a little bit worse than Sam, so we'll just let you know as soon as we're clear, but we didn't see any value in bringing them over and having to deal with that," Foster said.

"I wouldn't say it's a setback, but its just a readjustment, let's call it that."

New Zealand have called up four players as cover -- utility back Damian McKenzie, scrum-half Brad Weber, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and hooker Asafo Aumua.

The foursome, who tally more than 100 caps between them, had been named in a New Zealand second-tier squad which will play two matches in Europe in November.

(Y.Berger--BBZ)