Barrett brothers etch names into the record books
Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett are set to become the first trio of brothers to start an All Blacks Test match when they march out at Eden Park on Saturday.
While the trio has appeared on field at the same time for the All Blacks twice in the past - lock Scott and utility back Jordie came off the bench to join Beauden when the All Blacks played Samoa early last year, and Scott also joined his brothers in the final stages of the third Test against the British and Irish Lions last year - Saturday will mark the first time all three start together at international level.
“It’s one thing to be selected in the squad together and to be in the 23 together, but to start it’s a very proud moment for me and the family,” Beauden Barrett said Thursday afternoon.
“We’re looking forward to it, it’s just one of those childhood goals or dreams you have when you’re running around the back lawn pretending to be Christian Cullen or Tana Umaga or whoever it was back then, it’s really come true so I can’t wait to get out there with them.”
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21-year-old Jordie Barrett made headlines over the weekend when it was revealed police were called after he entered the wrong house following a night out.
Beauden backed up his younger brother and believes that despite the hiccup, he will be up to the task on Saturday when he heads out in the No.15 jersey.
“He’s great, he’s trained really well this week and he’s in a good head space,” Barrett said.
“Not too often he gets flustered or fazed by big occasions. Occasionally he gets a hot head, on the field, he’s got that streak in him, which can be a good thing.
“In terms of temperament, he’s probably better than me in that department.”
That competitive streak is a trait the three All Black brothers share, but Beauden said it’s Jordie who brings it out the most.
“That quiet competitiveness, we don’t sort of talk about it but I can assure you when we’re playing backyard footy and cricket there’s plenty of that going on,” the 27-year-old first-five said.
“Jordie probably being the youngest, trying to keep up with all the big boys. There were many times where he’d be steaming in with a cricket ball and crying at the same time trying to get us out.”
The All Blacks' three-Test series against France kicks off at Eden Park on Saturday night.
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Finau is not leaving a lot of room for error that’s true, but he committed to 3 out of four tackles when the player had the ball so that’s all legal. (And incredibly entertaining)
Go to commentsThings I want to pay attention to this series. 1) Nothing against the other teams in 6 nations, but apart from Irelands loss to england, I dont feel they got tested, So I think this might be tight. 2) Rassie wants to build depth, and would rather do it before a world cup, but I am sure deep inside, he will be reminded that we have not beaten Ireland in years. 3) Will our new coaches plans be sound abd organised in time for the Ireland series? Remember our warm ups might only see our second or third string players available (When are we going to have one universal calander year?) 4) I see Ireland have moved on from Sexton, but what will Farrels plans be for SA? I am sure he will go for a full strength squad. 5) I think the test for the springboks will be the Durban game, it will be in winter, so not too hot for the Irish,no altitude, and it rains allot, might remind them of home. Loftus, if the springboks play the right game, I feel altitude like with most games before, can cause some challanges. 6) Off topic, but who is both Anxious and excited about what the Abs are coming with? A whole new coaching team and different style of play.
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