Barrett trio to start and make All Blacks history

in Oita

New Zealand’s trio of Barrett brothers, Beauden, Scott and Jordie, will make history against Canada tomorrow. The Barretts will become the first trio of brothers to start together in a Rugby World Cup match since Elisi, Manu and Fe’ao Vunipola, father of England internationals Mako and Billy, represented Tonga against Scotland in 1995.

Beauden Barrett, the two-time World Rugby player of the year, continues at full-back, with Richie Mo’unga again at fly-half as Steve Hansen continues to fine-tune the side’s new 10-15 combination.

“I just wanted to give them more time together. I think it’s important,” Hansen said in Beppu, where New Zealand are training ahead of their second pool match. “They haven’t had a lot of Test matches together so they just need some more time. I’m not saying they’re not clicking or anything like that. It’s just time.”

Rieko Ioane has been handed a major opportunity to impress out on the wing. The 22-year-old began his Test career in scintillating form, scoring 23 tries in 26 Tests, but has lost his regular starting place to Crusaders wings George Bridge and Sevu Reece.

“I hope he’s keen,” Hansen stated. “He’s in a contest against two other guys who are playing wonderful rugby. We know that he can also play wonderful rugby. It’s important that he doesn’t get too caught up in the contest and that he does the small things well and the big things will come for him. Once he does that, the pressure will come back on to the selectors to pick him.”

Atu Moli wins only his third Test cap at loosehead prop as Hansen makes 11 changes from the 23-13 win over South Africa, with Beauden and Scott Barrett, Mo’unga and captain Kieran Read the only survivors in the starting XV.

Hansen also commented on Japan’s upset win over Ireland last Saturday, billing it as a major boost for the tournament. “The tournament has been pretty exciting, I reckon. The Japan game, you wouldn’t get a better game of rugby.”

New Zealand: Canada: