The 'Battle of the Barretts' is officially off, with the Hurricanes confirming Jordie Barrett has been scratched from the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Blues are set to host the Hurricanes at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday - Beauden Barrett's first game for the Auckland-based franchise, coincidentally against his old side.
The clash should have provided the mouthwatering prospect of a first-ever professional rugby showdown between the talented duo, but unfortunately, Jordie has succumbed to a shoulder injury.
Beauden Barrett has been eyeing this clash since the moment he put pen to paper with the Blues.
The All Blacks star is expecting some serious trash talk when the two sides meet on Sunday afternoon.
"It's more those interpersonal battles that potentially may pop up, so I'm just preparing myself for that….it's no surprise. I know it's coming," Barrett said on Tuesday.
More than 25,000 tickets have already been sold for the Eden Park match and Barrett is predecting something special could be in store for Kiwi rugby punters.
"There's been so much anticipation about when the next game of rugby will be and now it's finally here," Barrett adds
"If we get that number on Sunday it's fantastic and it's even better that we're playing afternoon rugby. I think the product should be better for it as well.
"Let's hope the lungs hang in there and the game is a competitive one."
