World Cup on Barrett’s mind
Beauden Barrett says he’s thinking about the World Cup every day as he embarks on the biggest year of his rugby playing life.
The All Blacks first-five attended the ASB Classic yesterday, where he took part in a Moet & Chandon pouring competition with fellow All Black Damian McKenzie and the tennis tournament’s third seed Pablo Carreno Busta.
The three sportsmen had a race to see who could uncork a bottle of Champagne and fill up three glasses, with it being a dead heat between Barrett and Spaniard Carreno Busta.
Afterwards, Barrett, 27, revealed he has been training throughout the summer and there’s not a day that goes by when he’s not thinking about the World Cup.
‘‘It naturally pops into my mind every now and then, especially when you’re training,’’ Barrett said. ‘‘Every time you train, you train for a reason, for a purpose and ultimately that’s a big goal of mine at the end of the season.’’
Barrett says he hasn’t put his feet up much since the All Blacks finished their northern hemisphere tour in November and has kept himself active.
‘‘This is probably the most I’ve ever trained over an off season, because I’ve got an extended break.
‘‘I’m trying to keep my fitness up and that way you enjoy the break too. You do the work in the morning and then you can have the rest of the day off and really enjoy it.’’
Barrett revealed All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told the players to enjoy their summer break, hang out and relax with their loved ones and be ready for a massive season.
‘‘I can’t remember exactly what was said,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘But something along the lines of ‘make sure you really freshen up because it’s going to be a big year. So it’s important to switch off, get around your loved ones, because come February it’s all go’.’’
Late last year Hansen announced he’d be standing down as All Blacks coach after the World Cup, ending a 15-year association with the team.
Barrett said it won’t be easy to replace him.
‘‘I could only wish him the best,’’ he said. ‘‘He’s had a fantastic career and obviously the job’s not done yet.
‘‘We all want to win the World Cup, retain the Bledisloe and all the rest of it.
‘‘He’ll be a huge loss, but it leaves an opportunity for someone else to step up.
‘‘He’s done a lot for me and my game and I thank him for that. We’re not finished yet, we’ve hopefully got another season to go.’’