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Barrett brothers to start for Hurricanes
By Online Editors
The Barrett brothers have returned to the Hurricanes' starting lineup for their week three clash with the Jaguares.
Beauden came off the bench to score a try against the Bulls last week, while younger brother Jordie will make his first appearance since injuring his shoulder in last year's semifinal.
With Jordie Barrett set to start at fullback, Matt Proctor moves to centre and Vince Aso heads to the bench.
World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett takes back his No 10 jersey, and the injured Wes Goosen is replaced by Ben Lam on the left wing.
Chris Boyd has made one change to the starting forward pack, with Chris Eves taking the place of Toby Smith at loosehead prop.
After being a late scratch from the bench against the Bulls, young front rower Alex Fidow is in line for his Super Rugby debut. The team also welcomes back lock Michael Fatialofa, who takes a spot on the bench.
15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Julian Savea, 13. Matt Proctor, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Ben Lam, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara, 8. Gareth Evans, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Brad Shields (C), 5. Sam Lousi, 4. Vaea Fifita, 3. Ben May, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 1. Chris Eves.
Reserves: 16. James O'Reilly, 17. Fraser Armstrong, 18. Alex Fidow, 19. Michael Fatialofa, 20. Blade Thomson, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Vince Aso.
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Latest Comments
Ireland have every right to back themselves for a win. But the key variable has little to do with recent record etc.
The reality is that Ireland are a settled team with tons of continuity, an established style, and a good depth chart, whereas NZ are fundamentally rebuilding. The questions are all about what Razor is doing and how far along he is in that program.
NZ are very close to really clicking. Against England all of the chatter is about how England could have closed out a win, but failed to do so. This has obscured the observation that NZ were by far the more creative and effective in attack, beyond the 3-1 try differential and disallowed tries. They gave away a lot of unnecessary penalties, and made many simple errors (including knock-ons and loose kicks). Those things are very fixable, and when they do so we are once again going to be staring at a formidable NZ team.
Last week we heard the England fans talking confidently about their chances against NZ, but England did not end up looking like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. The England defense was impressive enough, but still could not stop the tries.
Ireland certainly has a better chance, of course, but NZ is improving fast, and I would not be surprised at a convincing All Black win this week. It may turn on whether NZ can cut out the simple mistakes.
Go to commentsFair to say that NZ have come to respect Ireland, as have all teams. But it's a bit click-baitey to say that the game is the premier show-down for NZ.
SA has beaten NZ four times in a row, including in the RWC final.
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