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Scott Barrett reveals his stance on future All Blacks captaincy
By Ned Lester
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett isn’t looking too far ahead but admits he’d consider taking up the All Blacks‘ captainship after this year’s World Cup if the prestigious position was on offer.
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Speaking to media from sunny Fiji ahead of the Crusaders’ Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Fijian Drua on Saturday, Barrett discussed his contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, the milestone 100 matches he’ll bring up with round three’s match and his thoughts on the role of All Blacks captain.
Barrett’s credentials for the role are as compelling as anyone who’s confirmed to be staying in New Zealand beyond the World Cup, having 58 Test caps to his name and captaining the Crusaders to three consecutive Super Rugby titles.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself,” Barrett said. “I’m sitting in Fiji at the moment, preparing for the Drua and I think that is quite distant, but if there was the opportunity, by all means, that’s something I’d consider.
“It’s a huge job obviously, as I’ve sort of found with the Crusaders, and I’d anticipate that would be the next level, so me being a deep thinker, I’d give it some thought.”
Of the current leadership group within the All Blacks, Sam Whitelock and Ardie Savea have confirmed moves to Japan while Dane Coles has confirmed his retirement at the conclusion of 2023, Sam Cane has the option in his contract to play abroad in 2024 but has not announced his plans of yet.
One man with a ringing endorsement of Barrett is current Crusaders coach – and potentially Ian Foster’s successor with the All Blacks – Scott Robertson.
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“He is an incredible player with the skills of a coach,” Robertson said of his captain. “His experience, the respect and mana he has in every team he plays for makes him a massive asset.”
Barrett admitted there was a learning curve when he took on the captaincy of the Crusaders, but now the All Black utility forward has learnt to trust his work ethic and lead by example.
“I think, initially, you care about how the team performs and how the team is doing,” Barrett continued. “And sometimes I learnt the hard way. You can care a wee bit too much and you try to cover too much.
“What I’ve found now, later on, is you’ve just got to play well and influence the team through that. You give a bit of direction when needed, but most of it is through playing well.”
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