Leinster-bound Jordie Barrett 'available for selection' ahead of England v New Zealand tie
Leinster-bound All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett is on course to face England on Saturday, and Ireland on Friday week, New Zealand have confirmed.
The 27-year-old, who will join Leinster until the end of the season after the November internationals, suffered a knee injury playing against Australia in the Rugby Championship at the end of September and was given a four to six-week timeline for recovery.
The Hurricanes player wasn't risked for the All Blacks’ 64-19 win over Japan at the weekend and travelled to Europe with a number of New Zealand frontliners.
"He’s been training really well with us," said head coach Scott Robertson.
"[He’s] training at a high level, good intensity, he’s kicking the ball well.
"He’s available for selection. He gives you depth to the squad, and a lot of experience."
Robertson is confident his team will be ready for Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham after a side featuring a mix of youth and experience eased to victory in Yokohama.
The visitors ran in 10 tries, eight of which came in the first half, using a makeshift team that featured several debutants and players returning from injury in preparation for a series of tough tests over the coming month.
"A couple of (these) guys will be starting next week, it gives them valuable game time," Robertson said of his likely line-up to face Steve Borthwick's side. "A couple of guys coming back from injury came in.
"I think it's a really good, balanced squad. We've got a hell of a group over in the UK waiting for us. You'll see a few faces out there."
New Zealand face England before taking on Ireland on Friday 8 November, France and Italy in successive weeks in November, with Robertson bullish about the quality of the squad he will have available.
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