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All Blacks coach Ian Foster has revealed his reasoning behind picking Beauden Barrett as fullback and Rieko Ioane as outside center for their Bledisloe test against Australia.
Foster’s first team selection as head coach raised a few eyebrows when he surprised by casting Beauden Barrett at No. 15 ahead of his brother Jordie Barrett.
Foster admitted that Jordie Barrett was the best fullback in the country right now, but he felt The All Blacks needed to retain the Richie Mo’unga-Beauden Barrett dual combination for their opening test of the season.
“ With this new team, having two great decision makers will help us get around the park. He’s a pick for this test, ”Foster said of the Mo’unga-Barrett combo.
Beauden still wants to play 10, but we also know how influential he can be at 15.
Probably the 15 in the country was Jordie. I think you’ll find it in the backfield anyway. We feel like we get the best of both worlds. ‘
Foster also discussed the decision to play Ioane in midfield alongside Jack Goodhue rather than associate the latter with Anton Lienert-Brown.
“We felt like he could play center, but we didn’t know how fast he was going to be,” explained Foster.
“He has worked very well during the Blues campaign and has committed to it. We still like him in the band, but he’s made such a compelling case that he’s changed his mind, great with him.
“That was one of our toughest picks to be honest, midfield. We have huge faith in Anton, we know he can do a job, but it’s a reward for Rieko’s form. He’s confident, he runs fast. ‘
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Photo: Getty Images
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