'He could probably have a 6, 7, 8 on his back': Jordie Barrett hailed after another world class showing

Head coach Dave Rennie and captain Dave Rennie has hailed the performance of Jordie Barrett in the 50-19 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park.

The physicality of Barrett was on show as he made a game-high three dominant tackles and team high 16 tackles, perfectly timing a punishing tackle on flyhalf Ben Donaldson after a high ball take.

Barrett added 12 carries on attack with one line break but it was really on defence that he made his mark on the night.

Rennie said that his No.12 has taken his game “to another level”

“He’s been phenomenal all year,” head coach Dave Rennie said. 

“Outstanding in South Africa, and I just think he’s taking this game to another level. It’s it’s not just the skill set, but he’s got a massive engine, and I mean, his physicalities, you know, the defence, and yeah, I thought he was excellent again tonight.

“He got a little bit of a hematoma, wasn’t really sure how long he’d last after half-time. But he was able to run that off, and it was nice to substitute him with about 10 to go.”

Captain Codie Taylor was equally impressed by what Barrett brings every week and said that he’s in the conversation for world’s best at the position.

The hooker believed that the No.12 even could play in the loose forwards if required.

“He could probably have a 6, 7, 8, on his back and he wouldn’t look out of place,” Taylor said. 

“He’s one of those men with his physicality. You know, he hasn’t been saying too much, but his actions on the field are world class.

“He’s definitely earned the right to be called probably one of the best 12s, if not the best 12 in the world at the moment. Just not through just his attack and his brutality, everything that he does.

“You know, he’s physical, which is all you want to see as a forward from you’re 12.”