Jordie Barrett reveals New Zealand return date with ‘Ma’a Nonu on steroids’ gunning for his All Blacks shirt
Jordie Barrett in action for Leinster in 2024 and Timoci Tavatavanawai scoring a try for the Highlanders.
Jordie Barrett has confirmed that he will be available for the All Blacks’ three-Test series against France and is doing all he can to make that squad.
The New Zealand star is currently on a sabbatical in Ireland, having joined Leinster in December on a six-month deal which ends after the Dublin-based outfit’s United Rugby Championship (URC) season finishes next month.
Barrett will hope that is on June 14 – the day of the final – as Leo Cullen’s men seek to finally win some silverware after their recent Champions Cup disappointment.
Competition at centre
There has been talk in New Zealand about who will be wearing the 12 jersey for the mid-year Tests, but the incumbent has confirmed that he will be ready to take the shirt if selected.
Asked on Sport Nation’s Beaver & Guy show if he would be available to face Les Bleus, the 28-year-old responded: “Yes, if all things are going well.
“If we make a URC final up here on the 14th, I will fly home on the 19th and if I’m lucky enough to be fit, healthy and selected, hopefully I’m in camp for the first Test to play the French.
“There’s plenty to happen before now and then, so hopefully I can earn my way back into the side.”
Several centres have impressed in Super Rugby this season, including the Highlanders’ Timoci Tavatavanawai, who was described by Justin Marshall earlier this year as being like “Ma’a Nonu on steroids”.
Tavatavanawai was born and raised in Fiji but he has lived in New Zealand for over five years and Scott Robertson will no doubt be interested by his performances.
However, it would be a big call to drop Barrett, who is no doubt favourite to face France despite his stint in Ireland.
The Leinster star revealed that he has been in touch with some of the All Blacks coaches over the past six months, who have kept up to date with his progress.
“Yeah, little bits and pieces, received some nice reassuring texts from some of the coaches, and they’ve obviously been watching a few games,” Barrett said.
“So it’s just good to check in with them, I’ve spoken to a couple of them at length on the phone about various systems and what we could potentially benefit from going forward in New Zealand.
“It’s been a great balance there, some have left me to my devices and let me play, which is perfectly sound too. It’s all been positive.”
It was a risk for Barrett to make the leap and play in the more intense and physical European competitions, rather than Japan Rugby League One, but he is feeling fresh ahead of his return to New Zealand.
‘Great spot physically’
“I’m 28 and you want to go and test yourself in these conditions against some of the best players in the world,” he said.
“Some weeks are tough physically, some you get through fine, but that’s just the nature of playing rugby these days. I’m in a great spot physically at the moment, touch wood all things go well and turn up back to New Zealand after a good finals series and hit the ground running so I’m excited.”
Barrett added: “Super Rugby is a great competition, I can’t wait to get back in New Zealand and hopefully play for the All Blacks going forward.
“It’s been a refreshing change, a great change, but we’ve also got a great competition at home that I’ve been flicking on most mornings in the weekend, and it’s been an intriguing watch.
“The game is not lost in New Zealand, it’s a great product.”
