WATCH: All Blacks star Jordie Barrett shines on debut with a ‘filthy’ try and assist in 15 minutes
All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett playing for Leinster and scoring a try on his Investec Champions Cup debut.
It took just 15 minutes for Jordie Barrett to open his Leinster and Investec Champions Cup account as the All Blacks back starred on his debut against Bristol Bears.
Barrett came off the bench for Leinster during their opening Champions Cup fixture of the new season on Sunday evening, helping his new side to a 35-12 victory over the Bears at Ashton Gate.
Jordie Barrett’s Leinster debut
Leinster boss Leo Cullen threw the All Black into the mix at half-time of the fixture as he replaced Ireland international Ciaran Frawley, who was playing full-back, and would go on to feature in the midfield after a backline reshuffle.
He made his first real impact on the scoreboard from a scrum in the 52nd minute when he combined wonderfully with Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast, with the pivot tearing through the Bears’ defence off a pass from Barrett to put the Irish province 14-7 up.
It was not too long after that Barrett got on the scoresheet himself. He threw a lovely dummy after receiving the ball metres shy of the Bears’ try line and cruised over.
Not a bad debut 😅
It took Jordie Barrett 15 mins to score his first @leinsterrugby try 👏
Watch instant #InvestecChampionsCup highlights ➡️ https://t.co/WGjv7ag8jD pic.twitter.com/gvWGJbbg79
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 8, 2024
Those two scores set the tone for the second half as Leinster ripped through the Premiership club, running in two more tries in a convincing victory.
“Firstly, it’s very humbling to be here, thank you to Leo (Cullen, Leinster’s director of rugby) and Guy for a wonderful opportunity at a prestigious club,” Barrett said in the Leinster sheds after the game.
“When I got the first text and phone call, I was just unbelievably humbled and I jumped at the opportunity. There was just something about joining such an illustrious team like Leinster with such a proud history of unbelievable players and coaches and, like I said, I just want to be part of these European games and rub shoulders with some great men.
“Thanks for the first 10 days, it has been unbelievably enjoyable for a number of reasons. So proud to join the and just can’t wait for another week.”
Social media reaction
Unsurprisingly, Barrett’s debut caused a stir online with fans drooling over his first appearance for Leinster.
“Jordie Barrett making a significant difference since he came on. Showing up a lot as first receiver,” one onlooker remarked.
Irish journalist Cian Tracey added: “Some way to announce your arrival! Jordie Barrett creates one try and scores another, 15 minutes into his Leinster debut. Looks like a decent signing!
“Jordie Barrett that’s absolutely filthy,” Will Owen remarked on the All Black’s first try.
