Super Rugby Pacific: All Blacks coaching team have not influenced Jordie Barrett’s game time at 12
Jordie Barrett (L) from the Wellington Hurricanes is tackled by Mark Nawaqanitawase from the NSW Waratahs during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 match between the NSW Waratahs and the Wellington Hurricanes at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (AAP Image/David Gray) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **
Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland says the All Blacks have not dictated where utility back Jordie Barrett plays for the side.
The versatile Barrett has been selected at inside centre again when his team plays against the Rebels this weekend.
No selection pressure
This marks the fifth time in 11 matches that the star has been deployed in the centres, and Holland says All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has given the Hurricanes freedom to select Barrett wherever they see fit.
“To be honest we haven’t had any contact and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was completely the opposite,” Holland told Stuff.
“Fozzie has been awesome in just letting us do our own thing this season and has only been involved or having conversations when we need to, but we haven’t had any conversations around Jordie at all.”
The All Blacks 12 jersey race is certainly heating up with Barrett showing strong form there, threatening the likes of Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs) and David Havili (Crusaders).
Holland believes Barrett offers something on “both sides of the ball” and believes his role is vital for the team.
“We think the best thing for the Hurricanes we reckon is for Jordie to be playing at 12 at the moment,” he added.
“He gives us something different at 12 around go-forward both sides of the ball.
“That’s completely what we think and Jordie is well on board with that.
“We’ve got some pretty good bodies in the back three and if Jordie is not there in midfield as well.
“We’re pretty happy with Jordie at 12 and to answer your question, that’s all our doing.”
A win is essential for the Hurricanes this weekend as they search for a top-four finish and home-quarter-final.
“It’s not just in our control now, the Chiefs have to drop one to get there but we’ve got to get the job done against the Rebels this week and we’ll have to get the job done against the Force and we’ll take whatever comes,” said Holland.
“But you obviously want to play at home and we’ve just got to make sure we do what we can control so if something happens we’ve got that opportunity.”
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