Barrett masterclass big concern for Gats
Warren Gatland now must know for sure the extent of his challenge next Saturday and the two tests to follow.
The British and Irish Lions coach turned down the opportunity to travel from his team’s Rotorua base for a scouting mission at this test at Eden Park between the All Blacks and Manu Samoa, but the high definition television images would have brought it home just as well, if not better — these All Blacks don’t have many weaknesses.
Strengths, they have a few. Chief among them must be the class and form of No 10 Beauden Barrett, a man who appears to be in freakish physical condition and who was a constant threat against the Samoans.
The visitors in blue began well, but not surprisingly soon ran out of puff against the relentless black wave led by the magician from the Hurricanes.
Barrett, celebrating his 50th test, had a hand in all four of the All Blacks’ first- half tries; an offload for Anton Lienert- Brown’s, a kick through for his first, a beautiful set move for Ardie Savea’s and a regular pass in the buildup to Sonny Bill Williams’.
Barrett’s second try on the hour mark, another brilliant finish from yet another Williams’ offload, coincided with his withdrawal for Lima Sopoaga. Job done, as far as coach Steve Hansen was concerned.
Another pleasing aspect for the coach was the fact that Barrett missed only one of eight conversion attempts, an area of apparent weakness for the All Blacks, according to a pre- tour prediction from Gatland.
Barrett’s handling was sure, but so was the most of his teammates’, and this is where the All Blacks will have an advantage in the Lions’ series starting in a week’s time.
They have subtle variations off the set piece but shine too in open play, an ease with the ball that the Lions simply don’t have.
For poor Samoa, who shone on t wo rare occasions through midfielder Alapati Leiua and wing Tim Nanai- Williams, the All Blacks were better conditioned, better drilled, better everything.
The Lions, of course, will be a different prospect for Hansen’s men. Their pack will be far better than Samoa’s, and they will test the All Blacks in the lineout drive, in particular.
Their backline defence will probably be better as well, and it will need to be.
It was a good night for Hansen, who saw Jerome Kaino get through a mountain of work on his return from injury before being replaced just after 55 minutes, the midfield combination of Williams and Lienert- Brown working well, and another brilliant performance off the bench from Scott Barrett, who replaced Sam Whitelock in the second half.
Vaea Fifita scored a try on debut and halfback Aaron Smith and wing Julian Savea look to be heading in the right direction, and Jordie Barrett also made his debut when coming on for skipper Ben Smith at fullback.
Barrett the younger, wearing the No 23 jersey, became the third of Smiley’s sons to wear the black. Almost immediately the 20- year- old set off down the left touchline on a scorching run. Later, he would leap for a high kick on the touchline and flick an offload on the run to Brodie Retallick. It led to the All Blacks’ 12th try; another Barrett at the start of his international career, and, potentially, another for Gatland to worry about.