Fun and games:
Dumbfounded by the Barretts
Steve Hansen kept the spotlight on the Barrett brothers when revealing one had been likened to an actor in the comedy movie Dumb and Dumber.
All Blacks coach Hansen unleashed a major selection surprise by listing the inexperienced Jordie Barrett, whose only test cap was as a replacement against Samoa on June 16, at fullback for the must-win third test against the British and Irish Lions in Auckland tomorrow night.
Older brothers Beauden and Scott have been listed at first fiveeighth and as the reserve lock respectively, opening up the possibility for all three siblings to play together in the muchanticipated match at Eden Park.
When asked to provide an insight into the bond formed by the Barrett boys, Hansen made his point by recalling a recent incident.
"They have got their own gags and own nicknames for each other, and I heard one this morning,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘I said to ‘Beauden, what do you call your brother that for?’ He said ‘well, that’s the guy out of Dumb and Dumber’.’’
Beauden later confirmed Scott had been his target, calling him Lloyd Christmas after the character played by Jim Carrey. Last month he publicly labelled Jordie ‘‘Udon’’, saying his physique reminded him of a skinny, white noodle.
Jordie, 20, is six years Beauden’s junior – and the older man has also played 51 more tests – and wasn’t prepared to challenge his older brother in public.
‘‘There would be some repercussions if I called him something else.’’
All sports teams have their characters, with the temperament of some proving more lively than others.
It seems unlikely, for example, that tighthead prop Owen Franks would bang out a string of one-liners in front of the squad on a regular basis. But Hansen said he enjoyed the fact that his squad members can make fun of their travelling comrades.
‘‘They have the ability to take the mickey out of each other,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘The whole team is like a brotherhood. It is a class unit, this group. No-one is free from a bit of banter, including myself.
‘‘They have got to be good at it, because I am not bad at coming back. We enjoy having a laugh, when it is the right time to have a laugh and we enjoy working hard together.’’
Clearly the players should have an understanding of when not to unleash a joke, and it is not likely to be appreciated if someone tries to be a fool during a serious meeting.
Jordie Barrett appeared calm when fronting the media in the All Blacks hotel, and his on-field composure has obviously impressed Hansen.
The selectors invited the Hurricanes No 15 to travel with them to the northern hemisphere last year and his job sheet for the upcoming test will be simple: remain clearheaded under the high ball, be accurate in defence and don’t get caught out of position.
‘‘He is a pretty cool, calm, collected kid,’’ Hansen emphasised.
Having Hurricanes team-mates Julian Savea, Ngani Laumape and big brother Beauden in the backline should also provide some additional comfort for the raw newcomer.
‘‘Whatever comes my way, comes my way,’’ said Jordie, who a year ago had yet to earn a first-class cap with Canterbury. ‘‘It is just about controlling it.’’