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Scott Roberston lifts lids on benching Beauden Barrett
By PA
New Zealand have sprung a surprise by naming Beauden Barrett on the bench for Saturday’s first Test against England in Dunedin.
Barrett has been first choice full-back since his switch from fly-half in 2019 but the 123-cap 33-year-old has lost out to Stephen Perofeta for the number 15 jersey having spent the season at Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
Perofeta has made 120 fewer All Blacks appearances and plays primarily at fly-half, but new head coach Scott Robertson revealed his form for the Blues during their march to the Super Rugby title dictated his selection.
“Obviously the experience of 123 Tests counts for a lot, but Stephen Perofeta is also a guy who is in form, good around the high ball and playing great footy,” Robertson said.
“Just two weeks ago he was playing in a Test-match level game in a final. Beauden can play his part covering both 10 and 15. When you’ve got Beauden Barrett on the bench it’s pretty special.”
The void at half-back created by Richie Mo’unga and Aaron Smith playing in Japan is filled by TJ Perenara and Damian McKenzie, two seasoned campaigners who have been limited to supporting roles for much of their Test careers.
Perenara won the last of his 80 caps against England at Twickenham in November 2022 when he ruptured his Achilles, resulting in a lengthy lay-off.
“TJ has picked himself. He’s on form and he’s a competitor. He’s owned a lot of this week and he’s a Test match footballer,” Robertson said.
Robertson’s first matchday 23 since replacing Ian Foster as head coach in the wake of last autumn’s World Cup has 934 caps and is led by second row Scott Barrett.
“This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday,” Robertson said.
“There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we’re walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready.”
New Zealand team: S Perofeta; S Reece, R Ioane, J Barrett, M Tele’a; D McKenzie, TJ Perenara; E de Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Barrett (captain), P Tuipulotu, S Finau, D Papali’i, A Savea.
Replacements: A Aumua, O Tu’ungafasi, F Newell, T Vaa’i, L Jacobson, F Christie, A Lienert-Brown, B Barrett.
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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