Barrett unruffled by changes to his jersey number and the colour

In a year full of seemingly constant change, Beauden Barrett remains the picture of calm.

Between Barrett’s decision to switch from the Hurricanes to the Blues for next year’s Super Rugby season, to his move from first fiveeighths to fullback for the All Blacks, this Rugby World Cup year could easily have been the most unsettling of his illustrious career.

Instead one of the most soughtafter talents in world rugby takes it all in his stride with a side of perspective, as he does almost everything on the footy field.

That includes the vastly varied opinions he’s received since confirming his imminent move, arguably the most significant transfer in New Zealand Super Rugby history, from Wellington to Auckland.

Long-serving Hurricanes, the likes of All Blacks hooker Dane Coles and halfback TJ Perenara, along with their passionate support base, were among those most taken aback by Barrett’s switch in allegiance after eight years with the franchise.

Many clearly let him know their displeasure, too. But it hasn’t all been bad, with fellow All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Patrick Tuipulotu and Ofa Tuungafasi enthused about welcoming his presence.

“There was all sorts of mixed feedback,” Barrett tells the Herald. “You’ve got Colesy and TJ who are staunch Hurricanes that probably will still struggle to accept it or see me in a blue jersey, but it is what it is.

“You’ve got people like Rieks and Paddy and Ofa on the other hand who are over the moon so naturally you’re going to get that. It happens with all sorts of other players, sports or professions in any walk of life.

“On the other hand I’ve got a whole lot of mates wanting Blues kit now.

“It think the message for people is don’t get too caught up in it just accept and enjoy footy for what it is. It’s a spectacle and it’s supposed to be there for enjoyment, not for bagging people.

“The move to the Blues is one I’m really excited about. I’ve accepted it, it’s been done and dealt with, and it’s very positive for [wife] Hannah and I.”

The other major change this year came when All Blacks coach Steve Hansen lost Damian McKenzie to injury and eventually tapped Barrett on the shoulder to say he would be moving to fullback to help drive the team alongside Crusaders playmaker Richie Mo’unga.

Barrett was forced to set aside his personal interests, his preference of playing first-five, to accommodate the All Blacks’ master plan.

“Initially I thought this is not where I want to be playing my footy but the team is far more important and I can’t be selfish. I have to do what’s best for the team.

“I wouldn’t say it was hard to accept. I totally got it and I had to trust that it was made for the reasons that we’re starting to see in our game.

“I had to get excited about it because I still have a very important role to play in our attack and strategy. I don’t get caught up in all the hype around the number 10 and all that. It’s just about being the best player I can for this team.”

He isn’t ruling out a return to No 10 for the All Blacks in future — that’s where he expects to play for the Blues.

“Who’s to say, it [fullback] might be

just for this campaign I’m not too sure. I would like to go back to 10 for Super Rugby and who knows after that.

“Fifteen is a position in the past I’ve enjoyed. There are a lot positives, a bit more space and freedom. It’s about complementing the way we want to play with Richie too.”

On that note Barrett feels there is more to come from the changes to the All Blacks’ attacking structure which centres on targeting the middle of the park to split defensive lines and exploit space.

Having started six tests in less than three months together, the All Blacks believe Mo’unga and Barrett’s dual playmaker partnership remains in the infancy of its potential.

“It was always going to progress with time we just had to be patient. We know where we want to get to and we believe we can get there.

“It’s about how us two fit into the whole structure so it’s more than just about us. Together with Fozzie [All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster] and the strategy group, it’s about us trying to coordinate a plan and doing our roles within that.’’

Already his influence on this World Cup has been clear, and that’s while carrying a niggly lower leg injury.

Change can be unsettling, but it can also be a challenge. In Barrett’s case, his jersey colour and number are sideshows to the main event.