All Blacks: Jordie Barrett says he is ‘most comfortable’ at inside centre
Jordie Barrett of the Hurricanes in action during the Round 4 Trans-Tasman Super Rugby match between the ACT Brumbies and the Wellington Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Saturday, June 5, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **
All Black Jordie Barrett has been selected at inside centre against the Chiefs this weekend and is relishing the prospect of having ball in hand more often.
Barrett has started the four opening matches for the Hurricanes at full-back, a role he would most commonly be seen in, but makes the shift to 12 as the Wellington-based side look for consistency amid Covid disruptions.
Comfortable in midfield
The 25-year-old believes he is happiest in the midfield and feels comfortable in the role he has been asked to fill.
“I think 12 is the most comfortable position for me,” Barrett told reporters. “This week at training, I haven’t felt clunky, which is a good thing.”
Barrett cemented himself as the first choice full-back for the All Blacks during the 2021 campaign, producing a string of fine displays.
However, a move to centre may put him further back in the pecking order.
The Hurricanes man will be challenged by the likes of David Havili, Jack Goodhue (when back fit), Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown for the position, with two of those in opposition this weekend.
“I’ll need a bit of an edge going into the weekend (against the Chiefs) playing against some quality midfielders in Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown, but I’ve felt good,” Barrett said.
“It’s exciting. I’m able to get my hands on the ball a lot and contribute. I’ve been asked to do something for the team, so it’s something I’ve just jumped into.”
It is uncertain whether the positional switch will have any bearing on whether All Blacks coach Ian Foster will consider Barrett as a midfield option for his squad.
This week’s centre pairing will be the Hurricanes’ fifth different combination used this season, but head coach Jason Holland says Barrett has always been an option in at 12.
“It’s always been one of the options we’ve had since pre-season. We feel it’s a good time to get Jordie in there,” Holland said.
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