‘Excited by the opportunity’
When All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and John Plumtree first approached Scott Barrett about the potential of a move to blindside flank to combat the Irish physicality up front, the big lock, and occasional 6, had only one response.
‘‘I basically said if I’m out there in the starting XV, whatever capacity that is I’ll get excited by that opportunity,’’ Barrett said yesterday.
Barrett’s shift to the loose forwards, in a move that mirrors the unsuccessful 2019 World Cup semifinal roll of the dice from Steve Hansen, was the feature of Foster’s first team of 2022 to open the three-test series against the Irish.
‘‘I’m excited about it,’’ said Barrett of a role he’s performed more for the Crusaders than this country over the years. ‘‘I’ve played there a few times this season and in the past. It’s not unfamiliar territory and a lot of the roles are similar to lock. I’ve had a good week so far.’’
Barrett says his biggest adjustment will be in the scrum, but is relaxed about the transition. ‘‘You actually have an extra gear because you’re not right in the engine room of the scrum. The lineout is pretty similar and around the field my game is not going to change. It’s exciting.’’
Asked his reflections from 2019 – his only previous start at No 6 in the black jersey – when the England forwards played their New Zealand opposites off the park in Japan, the 48-test
forward admitted there were parallels worth heeding.
‘‘There were a lot of lessons from that game and I guess there are similarities heading into this week. We didn’t win the first 20 minutes [in ‘19], particularly the physicality as well. England brought it then, and we’re expecting Ireland are going to be right into it from the start. I’m certainly excited by that.’’
But Barrett says a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the title-winning Crusaders has him in exactly the right frame of mind for what is coming.
‘‘I enjoyed the tail end of the Super Rugby season, started playing some good rugby, and got some confidence, so I’m looking to build upon that heading into this series,’’ he said.