The Hurricanes' plan to disrupt Beauden Barrett
Hurricanes winger Kobus van Wyk has revealed his side's cheeky plan to stop Beauden Barrett on his rugby return.
Barrett will make his debut for the Blues next month in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa, going up against his former side when the Blues take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park on June 14.
Van Wyk wasn't part of the Hurricanes squads which Barrett marshalled, but revealed that the team was hoping they could "get under his skin" when the two sides return after their enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We just have to stop him apparently – he's quite quick they say," joked van Wyk.
"That's basically the talk in the camp – just to stop him a little bit, get under his skin."
Barrett turned heads in training when he produced a personal best in the 'bronco' fitness test at the Blues' first training session, but van Wyk noted that the Hurricanes are in good shape too.
"I think most of the boys are up there with their fitness levels, a couple of them did their personal bests with the bronco, so I think everyone did their part in lockdown.
"I think everyone will be a bit rusty, but we're in the right direction with the stuff we're doing so hopefully that gets us on top."
One Hurricane who came in for particular praise from his Hurricanes coaches during fitness training was Beauden's brother Jordie, who is eager to go up against his older sibling.
"When I looked to the schedule and saw we had the Blues up there first game, I guess you couldn't have set the scene any better," Barrett told Sky TV's The Breakdown.
"It's been a really good week to come back into training. There's a good buzz in the group and everyone's excited. I guess we're grateful to be in a position where we can get back and train and compete again," he said.
Jordie Barrett, who has played 54 games for the Hurricanes, said he's hoping to have a bigger influence on the field across the next eight games.
"For me it's bigger picture. I'm always going to be learning but trying to use experiences in the past to make me a better footy player and play in those different positions. Grow in my game to be a leader in the Hurricanes group and try and drive us around the park and have a lot more influence on our results."
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David Kriel is an average player. Sure he has pace but isnt physical enough and doesnt have the skill set. Fouche is a decent player but lacks experience and Du Toit and Wilco Louw have the experience and the pedigree to take over from Koch and Malherbe. Du Toit can also pack down on both sides like Nyakane could so he is a natural fit. Hooker has real potential, he has pace and power and is a reliable tackler. He might be the most natural replacement for De Allende at 12 but is still nowhere near his level. He needs exposure and would agree with his selection so he can develop. Julius is such a talent but not ready for the big time. Throws too many wild passes and always goes for the offload. Great pace though and has a feel for space. Gumede drops the ball too much otherwise has pace and versatility and deserves a shot. JC Mars is not ready and needs to be nurtured. Hartzenberg deserves a look in as he is quite a versatile player and does alot well. He tackles well, runs well and passes well. Ruan Vermaak is ready, Nohamba is in between a 10 and a 9 but deserves a call up to prove his worth. Erasmus does have plenty of options
Go to commentsAB's not scared of the Boks at all. They know they can beat them anywhere in country. They will also know that the Springboks will be the biggest threat to their record. The Boks will also know that many of their players will be 1 year older this year. Will Frans Malherbe, De Allende, Kolisi, Etzebeth and several others still be as good as they were last year. Time will tell
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