Jordie bemused by Aussie antics
HAMISH BIDWELL
The Hurricanes’ resident cricket expert is stumped by events in South Africa.
Before he was an All Black, much of Jordie Barrett’s early sporting success came on the cricket field. A brisk new-ball bowler and cleanhitting tailender, Barrett captained Central Districts’ under-19 team and was placed on standby for New Zealand’s under-19 world cup squad.
He was also a regular in the Taranaki Hawke Cup team, played for Central Districts A and, as an 18-year-old, was 12th man for CD’s flagship Stags team.
Every man and his dog has voiced an opinion on what Australia’s Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner got up to during their test match against South Africa in Cape Town. But few have spoken from the perspective of having been a decent cricketer, with experience of the pressures of international sport.
‘‘I honestly don’t know what to think.
‘‘It’s pretty bizarre what’s going on over there. From this side of the world it’s pretty entertaining to watch,’’ Barrett said after being named to start at fullback for the Hurricanes against the Rebels yesterday.
Bancroft, Smith and Warner being implicated in a ball-tampering scandal is almost the least of it. There have been some unusual press conferences and, in Warner’s case, even a confrontation with a fan.
Rugby players can cop the odd bit of stick, but we’re yet to see someone such as Barrett have it out with a spectator.
‘‘No, I’ve never been in that position fortunately. Never hope to be,’’ he said.
Beyond being a very nice young man, Barrett’s play tends to be of
such a high standard that punters have nothing but praise for him.
He’s made a fine return to the game in recent weeks, following July’s serious shoulder injury. Barrett’s been good under the high ball, safe defensively but - most impressive of all - really aggressive with ball in hand.
The 21-year-old’s not been afraid to take defenders on, showing good footwork and impressive pace. If there’s been nothing on, then he’s taken the ball strongly into contact.
A bit was made about Barrett putting on weight during his recovery from surgery. But he’s ‘‘dropped a few kilos in the last few weeks’’ and found a playing weight he’s happy with.
He’ll again be joined in the Hurricanes’ back-three by Julian Savea and Ben Lam, when they meet the top-of-the-table Rebels in Melbourne tomorrow.
Coach Chris Boyd has made three changes to the XV that started last weekend’s 29-12 win over the Highlanders. Centre Matt Proctor (sternum) and flanker Ardie Savea (ribs) are sitting this game out, while Vaea Fifita comes back from a shoulder niggle to replace former Rebel Murray Douglas at lock.
Vince Aso takes Proctor’s place in midfield and Sam Henwood will make his Hurricanes debut on the openside.