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It’s been 14 months since Beauden Barrett wore the No. 10 All Blacks jersey and this week’s test against the Wallabies will show whether that’s a temporary or permanent state of affairs.
The All Blacks want to get down to business this weekend – beat the Wallabies and the Tri Nations is as good as theirs.
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Beauden Barrett raced at the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend.
However, the number of selection changes from Ian Foster means that there are several important subplots for this accessory.
The performance of the Ioane brothers is one of them, but Barrett’s form at No. 10 will do more to shape the future makeup of the All Blacks side than any other part of the game.
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In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say that Barrett’s full-time return would have implications for four positions (No. 10, No. 15, No. 14 and a bottom bank role). This is a huge test for the 29-year-old, whose chances against the All Blacks selectors will shrink next year as he heads to Japan during the Super Rugby season.
His previous performance in the jersey was against Tonga last year, a 92-7 break at Hamilton.
Since then, Richie Mo’unga has been the preferred choice at No. 10, producing his best game for the jersey in the Wallabies’ 45-3 blowout in Sydney last week.
Barrett has had to wait for the right moment, first with the Blues and then with the All Blacks, before getting a crack in the jersey.
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Richie Mo’unga was excellent in Sydney this past weekend, but All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made it clear that he doesn’t think “anyone ever had a role on an All Blacks team.”
However, there has been no ambiguity about Barrett’s preferred position or Foster’s open mind about the number 10 jersey.
“I don’t think anyone has ever noticed a role on an All Blacks team,” Foster said.
“You have to keep acting, but I’m pretty sure Richie can sit in the stands, or whatever he’s doing, and be pretty satisfied with what he’s done.
“We always said that we were looking forward to Beaudie having a chance to get back to number 10.
“Obviously he is outstanding in that position and he deserves that right.
“So it’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone, really.”
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Beauden Barrett’s hopes of regaining the No. 10 jersey are paradoxically hampered by his continued excellence as a fullback.
Barrett’s work will be facilitated by a high degree of baseline familiarity, which has a strong ‘Hurricanes in 2017-2019’ aspect.
Running back TJ Perenara knows Barrett’s game from the inside out, while No. 10 also has the luxury of kicking the ball into No. 12 Ngani Laumape if the All Blacks aren’t going anywhere and just need to gain a little momentum. .
The presence of younger brother Jordie as fullback should also ensure that the connection is strong, and eagle-eyed All Blacks fans will no doubt note that the bottom line is similar to the one that caused the British and Irish Lions so much trouble. in the third test in 2017, that the All Blacks should have finished within the first hour.
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TJ Perenara will provide Beauden Barrett with a familiar voice at issue 9.
So it’s well set up for Barrett to rack up more misery on Wallabies coach Dave Rennie with a balanced display at No. 10 echoing Sydney’s masterclass from Mo’unga with a combination of kicks. smart tactics and electric racing.
The All Blacks will expect no less, especially after Foster noted Reece Hodge’s selection by the Wallabies at No. 10 with a touch of skepticism.
“When you look [the Wallabies’] The 10-12-13 combination is really trying to shore up that space defensively, ”Foster said.
“They may have lost the decision maker in [Matt] To’omua probably opted for a much more direct run and a power play in midfield. [Hunter Paisami and Jordan Petaia].
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The Wallabies will introduce the utility: Reece Hodge at issue 10.
“They are good young players and Hodge is a veteran and they are using their experience to guide the team.
“He has shown his skills in the past at No. 10, but it will be another thing to get into a big test like this, and we just have to ask him a few questions.”
Despite their recent uneven record in Brisbane, the All Blacks are in a strong position to finish off the Wallabies with a strong showing.
Barrett is central to that, and this test will decide whether debate n. 10 will resume or if it can be quietly shipped to 2019.
Take a look
The Three Nations, Round 2
All Blacks vs Australia, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kickoff: Saturday 9:45 PM (New Zealand time).
All the black people: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (c), Akira John, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Ofa Tuungafasi, Codie Taylor, Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Bookings: Asafo Aumua, Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cullen Grace, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan.
Wallabies: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Marika Koroibete, Reece Hodge, Nic White; Harry Wilson, Michael Hooper (c), Lachie Swinton, Matt Philip, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper.
Bookings: Vela Fainga’a, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu.
