All Blacks look to the future
Three Barretts, two 19-year-olds, and a locking crisis of sorts, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen delivered some mixed news in his end of year tour squad.
Scott and teenage talent Jordie will join brother Beauden as the All Blacks venture north but only one of the new Barrett additions has been included with the view to making his test debut this year.
While backline utility Jordie travels on an apprentice scheme akin to Ardie Savea three years ago, Crusaders lock Scott could make his debut in the first of two tests against Ireland in Chicago on November 6.
The 22-year-old was selected over the Highlanders’ Tom Franklin to replace Sam Whitelock, who is on crutches and sidelined for anywhere between three to six weeks with a high ankle sprain. Fellow lock Brodie Retallick has concussion concerns, leaving Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Romano as the only fit established tall timber. They could find themselves starting against Ireland, with Scott Barrett potentially proving cover off the bench.
Any other team that lost two world-class figures would be in panic mode. Not so the All Blacks, who simply view it as another chance to further strengthen depth.
‘‘It’s a concern but at the same time it’s a massive opportunity for us as a team and for Patrick and Luke and Scott to step up and say ‘hey, we can continue to do what these others boys have been doing’,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘We don’t want them to be Sam Whitelocks or Brodie Retallicks; we just need them to be the best they can be and deliver it in their way.’’
Hansen gave a firm nod to the future by selecting Auckland, Blues and sevens star Rieko Ioane in the main squad, along with Jordie Barrett. Both are still 19.
‘‘He’s very talented and very skilled but physically probably not ready to be an All Black yet,’’ Hansen said of Jordie. ‘‘We’ve got no doubt he will be but bringing him in as an apprentice as we did with Ardie in 2013 gives us a good opportunity to give him an understanding of what it’s like to be in a touring party and be in the All Blacks without having the pressure of playing.
‘‘And it allows [strength and conditioning trainer Nick] Gill and the wellbeing crew to work with him and give him a preseason. It gives him a flying start. It will be interesting to see how he copes with it.’’
All Blacks assistant coach Ian
Foster was equally enthused about the youngest Barrett’s prospects.
‘‘We’ve kept an eye on Jordie for a while, through the under20s,’’ Foster said. ‘‘He’s just got a high skill level, has a great attitude, is very competitive, and knows how to use that skill level at the right time.
‘‘He can catch well, pass well, runs well, just seems to have little bit of that Barrett calmness about him when the ball is nearby. That’s what encouraged us, with having that ability to go from midfield to fullback it’s a great combination if we get that right he gives us some good options.’’
While Ioane, the youngest top tryscorer in provincial history this season, has impressed many, Hansen indicated he had plenty of areas to improve. Ioane is expected to make his debut on the wing, probably against Italy in Rome, with the long-term view of him ending up at centre. His appeal at this stage is another big, fast, strong finisher in mould Julian Savea and Waisake Naholo.
‘‘He’s by no means the finished product. There’s a lot of conditioning work we can put into him. We think we can make him a better all-round athlete than what we’ve got.’’
Most expect the All Blacks to continue their unprecedented 18 test unbeaten run in four matches against Ireland, Italy and France but Hansen is wary of the challenges ahead.
‘‘The northern hemisphere is a totally different environment to play rugby. The opposition are going to be different. That will challenge us in different ways. It will also continue to give us the opportunity to blend this group of young talent with the more experienced group so we can future proof our side for the next few years.’’ were planted last year with Auckland at the provincial level.
‘‘I didn’t see too much game time, but I learned so much off Charles [Piutau] and George [Moala].’’
The youngster described his tour inclusion as a ‘‘bonus’’ after doubting he’d done enough to force his way in to a well established group. But now he’s in, he’s ready to soak up whatever comes his way.
‘‘When you have the best coaches in the world, I’m ready to just be a sponge and absorb whatever they have to throw at me. I don’t care whether they need me for, wing or midfield ... I’d be happy enough to learn prop if I had.’’
And now? It was home to celebrate at a barbie with the extended family. ‘‘Dad (Eddie) is over the moon. He was running around the house, and I’d never seen so much speed out of him.’’
Clearly it runs in the family.