All Blacks squad update ahead of Japan Test

The All Blacks have made forced personnel changes ahead of today's depature to Tokyo for the Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup.

Six squad members will remain in New Zealand with an aim to join the tour at a later date.

• Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett (family bereavement, will arrive in Japan mid-week).
• Folau Fakatava (knee - ruptured ACL graft).
• Samuel Whitelock (inner ear).
• Will Jordan (inner ear).

Four players have been brought in as cover from the All Blacks XV:

• Asafo Aumua (cover for Dane Coles who is managing a mild calf issue).
• Brad Weber 
• Damian McKenzie
• Patrick Tuipulotu

Tuipulotu and McKenzie have assembled in Auckland, and will fly to Tokyo with the squad today. Weber and Aumua will travel to Tokyo on Sunday, the latter after playing for Wellington in the NPC final.

The Barrett brothers are expected to arrive in Tokyo ahead of the Test against Japan, while the timeline for injured players will be determined by medical staff.

Players are able to re-join the All Blacks XV on tour. Any potential extra additions to the All Blacks XV are being worked through now.