Ireland star: How ‘incredible’ Jordie Barrett has made huge impact at Leinster as ‘calm’ All Black provides key to Champions Cup success
Jordie Barrett applauding the fans after Champions Cup win and Ireland and Leinster star Jack Conan.
Leinster and Ireland star Jack Conan has hailed the impact Jordie Barrett has had at the Irish province since joining on a short-term deal in December.
The All Blacks centre may only be in Ireland for six months but he has already made his presence felt both on and off the field.
Head coach Leo Cullen believes that his stint in Dublin could prove beneficial in the long-term, given the knowledge he is passing on to their younger players, but his main contribution is no doubt being seen on the pitch.
On Friday, Barrett played a huge role as Leinster moved into the semi-finals of the Investec Champions Cup with a 52-0 thrashing of Glasgow Warriors.
Champions Cup player of the match
Although it was a fine team display, the New Zealander was certainly the standout performer as he impressed on both sides of the ball and earned the player of the match award.
Barrett dominated the gainline in attack and also showed deft touches to put his team-mates into space, while he was similarly impressive in defence.
The All Black made some superb breakdown turnovers and then showed his work ethic to prevent a Glasgow try when Kyle Rowe had broke down the left.
“I mean, you love to see lads digging deep for each other. If he hadn’t done it [the chase back on Rowe], he wouldn’t have been called out for it, but you see the work rate, the fitness, the mindset he has,” Conan said.
“Even when he gets that ball after they kick through, he doesn’t panic, he takes a few steps, he puts a great exit kick in, and then he’s leading the line defensively.
“It’s a testament to the pro that he is, the calmness that he has and those huge moments that he has for us.”
According to those at Leinster, Barrett made an immediate impression. Despite his standing in the world game, the All Blacks star bought into the culture at the province and has continued in that vein.
Humble All Black
“I’ll echo what Leo said. Really, like, firstly, he’s an unbelievably good fella. From the first day he came in, you could see how hungry he was to learn and to kind of get in the mix with the lads straight away,” Conan said.
“Like, I played him against him a few times, but he comes in and you don’t really expect him to know who everyone is, but he was so on the ball that first day, he knew the majority of the squad. And he’s so hungry to learn.”
There is no doubt that Barrett’s main contribution has so far been on the field, however, with the Glasgow encounter showcasing his immense ability.
After years of Champions Cup heartbreak, which includes three successive final defeats, the All Black could be the key to finally getting their hands on that coveted silverware.
“The energy that he gives everyone else when he has those big moments, it’s such a lift. Whether he’s starting or he’s coming off the bench, to have someone like that in the 23, it’s just incredible,” Conan added.
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