Hansen backing Barrett trial at six

Scott Barrett’s start at blindside flanker for the Crusaders against the Force will be closely monitored by All Blacks boss Steve Hansen.

Barrett, primarily a lock, will start at six for the Crusaders in Friday’s Super Rugby clash at home to the Force.

The 23-year-old was one of the breakout stars on New Zealand’s end-of-year tour in 2016, joining his brother Beauden in the All Blacks side, and has started the season in fine form for the Crusaders.

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson revealed that the plans to try Barrett out in the back row had been on his mind for some time, and that Hansen had approved the decision.

“I’ve been planting the seeds for him to play number six for a long time,” Robertson told the New Zealand Herald.

“I got the nod from Steve Hansen, who said ‘yep it’s all good to go’.

“[Scott] is getting comfortable there with the amount of minutes he’s getting at training, and now it’s his chance to get a start. He’s played a little bit there at the end of games… he’s a great athlete, as the Barretts are.”