Talkative Laumape wins Barrett praise
All Blacks first five-eighth Beauden Barrett has lifted the lid on the steps Ngani Laumape has taken to become a complete No 12, revealing that sessions with Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland have been instrumental in helping Laumape find his voice.
Laumape has enjoyed another strong Super Rugby and will start at second five-eighth against the Pumas tomorrow in Buenos Aires (6.05am NZ time) but has been under instruction from All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to improve his communication levels.
Barrett said that Laumape had taken Hansen’s message on board and had worked on his weaker point during the Super Rugby season.
‘‘Absolutely. He understands his role, which is his job in the team, but also he understands how important our relationship is in getting aligned so that we almost think the same thing,’’ Barrett said in Buenos Aires.
‘‘He knows what I expect of him, and I know what he expects of me and he’s worked really hard on that,’’ Barrett said.
Laumape is almost impossible to stop with ball in hand but he has developed into a player with multiple dimensions and Barrett attributed that progress to Laumape’s hunger for selfimprovement.
‘‘He’s sat down with Jason Holland at the Hurricanes and worked really hard on his attacking game and no doubt Fozzie [assistant coach Ian Foster] has helped him with the structures at the All Blacks.
‘‘It’s a credit to him. You [the public] don’t see a lot of the analysis work that he’s been doing and that shows how dedicated he is.’’
Laumape is fighting for a midfield spot with Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Anton Lienert-brown and Jack Goodhue, with only four likely to make the cut for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later in the year.
Laumape has been in and around the test side for a number of years now and Barrett said the All Blacks provided a conducive environment for players trying to come out of their shells.
‘‘It’s a lot easier than it used to be,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘The young guys are encouraged to be themselves. There’s no such thing as a dumb question.’’
Laumape has also won the tick of approval from Hansen himself.
‘‘I’ve been quietly impressed with everybody,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘Someone like Ngani, who we really put some pressure on to be more vocal, he’s been great.’’
Barrett also backed Highlanders No 10 Josh Ioane, who has been named on the bench, to do his job if needed against the Pumas at the daunting Jose Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires.
‘‘He’s been awesome,’’ Barrett said. ‘‘I’ve been lucky enough to room with Joshy. ‘‘He’s got a lot of potential and he’s got a good memory. He remembers things a lot quicker than I do so he’s learning pretty quick.’’
The All Blacks’ main decisionmakers will have to be sharp. As well as the now-mandatory line speed that opposition sides bring, the weather gods might be against them
Rain is forecast in Buenos Aires for the test and the All Blacks will have to be accurate with their kicking game.
‘‘It [the rain] affects tactics, no doubt,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘Obviously we’ve had beautiful weather so far, we’re preparing in beautiful sunshine but we have to be prepared for the rain.’’