Barrett beefs up for his return
A beefed-up Jordie Barrett is so close he can practically touch it; Joe Moody not quite so much.
But for both injured All Blacks, preparing to return to the field after off-season shoulder surgeries, the long process of repair, rehabilitation and rebuilding fitness is nearly at an end.
Barrett, one of the finds of the 2017 season, hopes to hit the park for the Hurricanes in round three of the new Super Rugby season, all going to plan, and team requirements. He is entering his first week of full-contact training.
Moody has to be a little more patient. His strength requirements are a little higher; his timetable has been a little more elongated. The rugged 29-year-old, 31-test loosehead prop is aiming at an April introduction for the Crusaders in the defence of their Super Rugby crown.
Both were part of yesterday’s Super Rugby launch in Auckland and spoke about their mindsets as they approach the new season.
‘‘I’m pretty excited and pretty nervous as well,’’ said Barrett who had his shoulder surgery in late August after a dislocation and significant ligament damage in the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby semifinal defeat in Johannesburg. ‘‘There’s going to be a little bit of doubt, but as soon as I get the confidence that it’s good and it’s healthy and strong, I’ll be away.’’
Barrett has tried to use his extended off-season productively. As well as throwing himself into university study and spending bonus family time, the 20-year-old has piled on 6-7kg of muscle which might prove useful for what he has in mind for 2018.
‘‘That was always the plan from our trainers,’’ he said of the beefing up. ‘‘It was just try to get a bit bigger, stronger and hopefully faster. I’m happy I’ve done that.
‘‘Hopefully it makes me more durable and able to work through contact. It could suit me if I wanted to play in midfield. That’s in the back of my mind, having played there in age-grade stuff.’’
He is setting simple goals for himself, and not fretting too much about repeating his standout deeds of 2017.
‘‘I’m mentally fresh and raring to go. I just want to get back out on the field and be healthy enough to play and be available for selection. If I play well that’s a bonus.’’
Moody, like Barrett, watched with interest at the proficient manner the All Blacks coped in his absence in 2017 and says it has only increased his desire to return bigger, better and stronger.
‘‘There’s no opportunity for me to be slacking off because I know nothing is a given because there is that depth there among the props.’’
Moody said his range of motion was nearly back to normal and he was enthused about re-entering the team environment at the Crusaders.
‘‘It has been pretty tough doing all my training and rehab by myself. I hate doing all the conditioning and running blocks as a lone ranger, but I’m well aware that’s going to be a big factor in getting back on the park, and back in good nick.’’
With fellow All Black prop Owen Franks on a similar return timetable, and Israel Dagg and Kieran Read also working on their own rehab plans, the Crusaders seem set to benefit from a welcome injection of All Black talent through the competition.