Jordie Barrett likely to miss U20s
Jordie Barrett is likely to miss the under-20 rugby world championship in favour of continuing his run at fullback for the Hurricanes.
At the start of the season, the agegroup tournament would have been a high priority for the 20-year-old, but with Nehe Milner-Skudder’s injury and his subsequent form for the Hurricanes he may be setting his sights higher than that.
It has led to him being left out of the under-20s squad, announced yesterday, for the Oceania warmup tournament next week due to ‘‘Super Rugby commitments’’, which puts his participation in the showpiece event in Georgia, starting on May 31, in doubt.
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland said on Monday Barrett’s involvement with the under-20s would be assessed on a week-to-week basis.
‘‘I’d presume if he’s going to be involved in the All Blacks he wouldn’t play 20s, but we’ll see over the next couple of weeks what happens there.’’
Holland said he was confident Barrett could step into the All Blacks environment now if called upon, or for the British and Irish Lions tour in June.
‘‘He’s definitely put himself right in the hunt. It depends what the boys [All Blacks coaches] want to do, but I think he’s capable of being there right now.
‘‘He’s a pretty mature boy Jordie, mentally there is no problem with his age. He’s very relaxed and nothing is a problem, it’s just making sure physically that he’s happy to keep going and reading a few signs if we think he’s creaking, at the moment he doesn’t seem to be.’’
The Hurricanes’ Super Rugby season continues until June 9 before breaking for the Lions tour. The Hurricanes play the Lions on June 27.
However, New Zealand under-20s coach Craig Philpott said Barrett was still in the mix to be involved at the world championships.
‘‘As has been the case in previous years players have been deemed unavailable for the Oceania tournament due to their Super Rugby commitments. No final decision on their availability for the world championship in Georgia in May and June has been made.’’
A decision on where Barrett plays in June is expected to be made by agreement with the under-20s, Hurricanes and All Blacks coaches, as well as Barrett himself.
As with his Hurricanes involvement this year, a lot might hinge on the availability of Milner-Skudder, with Barrett’s ability to cover many positions across the backline helping his All Blacks case.
The under-20 beneficiaries of Barrett missing the Oceania tournament were Wellington’s Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Taranaki’s Ciarahn Matoe, who were called into the under-20s squad by Philpott.
‘‘We have been following Thomas’ return to rugby following his hip surgery in October last year with a view to inclusion in the squad. He’s had three weeks of club rugby and is tracking well. We know what he is capable of after his time in the secondary schools team and he is a welcome addition now that he is injury-free,’’ Philpott said.
‘‘With Stephen [Perofeta] and Jordie not available we needed extra cover at first five-eighth. Ciarahn’s time with the Chiefs under-20 squad has gone well and he proved himself with the New Zealand secondary schools team last year. This is a good opportunity for him and one I am sure he will make the most of. ‘‘
Waikato’s Luke Jacobson will captain the under-20s at the Oceania tournament.