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Barrett-gate finally arrives: who will be crowned the best brother?

By Online Editors
(Photos by Getty Images)

Just like at their Taranaki farm around the turn of the century, do not be surprised to see a heated game of “run it straight” between two brothers in Wellington tonight.

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Hurricanes utility Jordie Barrett will get a crack at his older brother Beauden for the first time since the latter departed the Hurricanes for the Blues at the end of last year.

Although it is the third match-up between the sides this year — the Blues winning the first two — it will be the first time the brothers take the same pitch in different Super Rugby strips.

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We spoke to the young Blue flanker after his impressive start to Super Rugby Aotearoa about what’s motivating his consistently outstanding performances.

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We spoke to the young Blue flanker after his impressive start to Super Rugby Aotearoa about what’s motivating his consistently outstanding performances.

Both start at fullback in a game that could see the Hurricanes, despite dropping their first two matches of Super Rugby Aotearoa, leapfrog the Blues into second on the ladder with a sizeable win.

Given the duo were teammates for three years and continually contend for starting roles in the All Blacks, any occasion where they face-off, let alone for the first time in professional rugby, is mouthwatering.

But their form has seemingly travelled down different paths, with Jordie emerging as an essential piece in the Hurricanes side, while Beauden has been relatively quiet in his performances for the Blues.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland put the younger of the Barretts at the top of his pecking order.

“In my eyes, he’s the best [fullback] in the country, but he’s got to work hard to make sure he stays there and perform week in, week out,” he said.

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Discussing Jordie’s performance against the Highlanders last weekend, Holland noted there were “a couple of little sloppy bits there, and Jordie’s come to me and talked around things that aren’t to his absolute standard around a couple of turnovers. But for me, he’s streets ahead of everyone else at 15.”

It is a bold opinion when put up against Beauden’s two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, and status as one of the greatest All Blacks.

Co-captain Dane Coles agrees with his coach “out of bias” but is not buying into the idea Beauden is out of form.

“He’s been a massive part of their success, being back. Just controlling the game, you can see his experience is really standing out.”

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Coles knows the magnitude of the occasion with Beauden returning to the Cake Tin in a Super Rugby clash for the first time since June 2019. But he believes Jordie is up for the challenge, and described him as a “pretty calm person”.

Holland expressed relief his former star will not be playing at first-receiver tonight.

“He’s obviously not there from set piece — which probably gives us some peace of mind if he’s not a threat around the 10 channel.”

When the two played at Eden Park in the first week of Super Rugby Aotearoa, Coles scored a memorable try where he barged his way through Beauden to score in the corner. It was followed up by some celebrations that the Hurricanes forcefully included their old teammate in.

Jordie Barrett
Jordie Barrett (left) and Beauden Barrett. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The All Blacks hooker is keen to grab another try in a similar fashion.

“It’d be nice if I get down the channel again and see my old mate,” he said. “Hopefully there’s a few boos for him when he gets out.”

The Blues come off an unusual feeling — defeat, suffering their first in eight games against the Crusaders last weekend. They will also be without the in-form Hoskins Sotutu and veteran James Parsons, as well as rising winger Caleb Clarke.

By contrast, the Hurricanes welcome back Coles and Reed Prinsep from injury, and are experiencing a rise in form with a chance to secure their third consecutive win.

Super Rugby Aotearoa per-game averages

Beauden Barrett (4 games)

41m, 8 carries, 2 defenders beaten, 1 linebreak, 14 kicks, 2 points, 3 tackles, 1 missed tackle, 2 turnovers conceded, 1 penalty conceded.

Jordie Barrett (2 games)

30m, 13 carries, 4 defenders beaten, 2 linebreaks, 2 try assists, 12 kicks, 6 points, 5 tackles, 1 missed tackle, 5 turnovers conceded, 1 penalty conceded.

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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