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Beauden Barrett unveiled to media at Suntory, explains why he chose Japan and not France
By AAP
.Beauden Barrett hopes to remain in contention for the No10 All Blacks jersey by impressing in Japan's Top League, as he was unveiled as a Suntory Sungoliath player in Tokyo on Wednesday. Part of Barrett's contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) allows him to play a sabbatical overseas, and the two-time World Rugby player of the year has joined Suntory for the 2021 Top League season, which begins next week.
Despite taking a year out from Super Rugby and the spotlight of playing at home, the 29-year-old Barrett is eager to impress All Blacks boss Ian Foster and claim the No10 jersey, having featured heavily at full-back in recent years.
"I have got a little bit of work to do in terms of slotting back into that role (fly-half). One would expect me to play a little more at No10 and that is certainly something I am aspiring to do back in New Zealand for the All Blacks," Barrett told reporters.
Barrett is one of a number of high-profile foreign players who have joined Japanese clubs this season, including compatriots Kieran Read, TJ Perenara and Ben Smith.
Barrett could have chosen to play a season in France where, as a non-exempt foreign-based player, he would have ruled himself out for contention for the All Blacks. But he chose Japan in large part because that would allow him to better prepare for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
"It isn't Japan versus France at all. It was about 2023," said Barrett. "I am really happy about the decision that I made." Top League, which was completely scrapped last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, is due to begin next weekend and Barrett said all the players were prepared to be flexible should the virus disrupt the league schedule.
Since arriving in Japan late last year, Barrett has also been working on his Japanese and was asked to say a few words on Wednesday. He mustered a few phrases, much to the pleasure of the Japanese media. "Gosh, I have been put on the spot," he said. "I promise you I am better (at Japanese) than what I am presenting right now."
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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