‘Impatient’ Jordie Barrett claims early All Blacks frustration has turned into a ‘gift’ as Leinster take Brian O’Driscoll’s advice for Champions Cup clash
Jordie Barrett in action for Leinster and the All Blacks during 2024-25 season.
Jordie Barrett believes that his versatility has ultimately been a benefit despite the early career frustration of having to continually shift positions.
The All Blacks star was seen as a potential international from an early age and duly made his New Zealand debut in 2017 as a 20-year-old.
Barrett then started against the British and Irish Lions in the third and deciding Test at full-back, but he was subsequently shifted around the backline.
Barrett’s backline journey
He featured regularly at both wing and full-back internationally before being moved to inside centre and has remained there for the past couple of years.
The 28-year-old has even had one game for the All Blacks at fly-half, while at the Hurricanes he was used at 13 before ever starting at 12.
Since joining Leinster, the Irish province have sought to use his adaptability and have played him at both centre and full-back.
For some, that versatility tag can become an issue, but Barrett has learnt to embrace it over the years.
“When I was young and impatient I wanted to play in one position, but I played 10, 12, 13, left wing, right wing and full-back,” he told reporters ahead of the Champions Cup clash with Glasgow Warriors.
“It’s a gift for me now, because I understand as a 12 what your 13 needs out of you, what helps a winger, what a 15 needs from a 10 and the other way. That certainly helps you understand the game better. It’s set me up for now.”
Barrett joined Leinster on a short-term deal after extending his contract with New Zealand Rugby and he settled in at the Irish giants immediately.
The All Black has added so much class to the backline, although he is letting others decide how he is actually playing, saying: “My form, I’ll reserve judgments for you guys, you can tell me how good or poorly I’m playing!”
Murray Mexted slams Scott Barrett ‘hoo-ha’ as All Blacks’ ‘proven combination’ backed for 2025
All Blacks star set to start
Barrett found himself on the bench for their Champions Cup round-of-16 tie against Harlequins, but his form is such that he will start against Glasgow in the quarter-finals.
Brian O’Driscoll therefore appears to have got his wish, with the Leinster and Ireland legend calling for him to be included in the XV.
“It’s certainly not difficult [being on the bench]. If I get any opportunity to play, whether it’s starting or on the bench or adding value somewhere else… The game now demands 23 players and the wider squad to prepare them for the weekend,” Barrett said.
“I had conversations with Leo [Cullen] before even coming over here, the role could change week to week. There’s world-class players here, so I’m just hoping I stay fit and healthy and whatever opportunity I get, I’ll take with two hands.
“If your job is to come on and change a game, to add some value or to put a game away, that’s your job for that week.
“If your job is to start, obviously you want to start and play well and put the team in a good position so they can come on and play well.”
READ MORE: RG Snyman reveals how Jacques Nienaber’s ‘different mindset’ has benefitted Leinster
