Scott Robertson explains Beauden Barrett selection call as Damian McKenzie benched for England clash
Beauden Barrett and an insert of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained the decision to start Beauden Barrett at fly-half ahead of Damian McKenzie for their game against England.
McKenzie started the All Blacks’ first nine Test matches in the Robertson era before Barrett reclaimed the number 10 jumper for the clash against Australia in the Rugby Championship.
Last week against Japan, McKenzie was back in the starting role but for the clash at Twickenham, it is Barrett who has reclaimed the jersey once again.
Why Barrett over McKenzie
After revealing his matchday 23, Robertson said that it is now the veteran All Black’s chance having earned the opportunity with his performances off the bench and particularly his shift against the Wallabies.
“I think when we gave Beauden a crack he was great and as I mentioned before just tactically, we know either of them are awesome off the bench,” the All Blacks boss explained.
“This is Beauden’s chance. Most top teams now give the guys opportunities in this part of the calendar and have two, or three tens.”
Barrett will earn his 132nd Test cap on Saturday and not only does he add experience to the starting XV but proven pedigree having won the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and has been crowned the World Player of the Year on two occasions.
The playmaker is held in high regard for his tactical nous and brilliant skillset and having never worked with him until now, Robertson was not surprised by the manner in which he goes about his work.
“Working with him has probably confirmed what I knew about him as a professional but he’s the ultimate professional like day-to-day habits,” he said.
“His ability to stand up in the team and demand what’s required, very articulate and he knows the game well.
“Look, I’ve been impressed in that regard and he’s performed when we gave him that opportunity either at the end of games or the last Rugby Championship Test match against Australia so he’s had a good week.”
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Barrett criticism
While the All Blacks boss spoke glowingly of his playmaker, his sentiments aren’t universal with former England international Stuart Barnes claiming that Marcus Smith – who will line up against Barrett – is a far better fly-half.
“I would pick Marcus Smith over Beauden Barrett ten times out of ten. The Harlequin is simply the better fly-half at this juncture in rugby history,” Barnes wrote in his Times column.
He added: “Listing them in an all-time pantheon, Barrett would hold a lofty position. Smith wouldn’t figure. Not yet. The Kiwi has been one of the most dazzling rugby players to lace a pair of boots this century.
“Yet Smith is — if you think he has the rugby brain and trained instincts to add the extra dimension to England’s game — the future. Barrett is not so much the past, but rather the sticking plaster that is expected to hold the current team together.”
