Scott Robertson: Jordie Barrett's insight 'invaluable' in Ireland rematch

Jordie Barrett’s stint with Leinster has proven most valuable for the All Blacks as they look to down a Leinster-laden Irish team in Chicago.

The Kiwi vice-captain has been named to start at No.12 once again for the team’s opening Autumn Nations Series encounter, and his much-applauded rugby IQ has come into its own during the week of prep.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson told the media on Thursday that Barrett’s contributions have been of the quality over quantity variety, and that has informed the team’s analysis.

“He’s got a coach’s eye,” Robertson said. “He understands details really well. But he just chips in where he needs to, not too much, but in some key areas and parts of their identity that we need to understand to know how they’re going to play. So it’s been invaluable.”

Wing Caleb Clarke also mentioned he had been picking Barrett’s brain after seeing two-cap Tommy O’Brien would be starting opposite him.

Team Form

Last 5 Games

13 - 24

46 - 19

41 - 10

13 - 26

7 - 106

26 - 52

33 - 19

17 - 25

13 - 26

14 - 28

3

Wins

4

1

Streak

1

30

Tries Scored

21

133

Points Difference

47

4/5

First Try

4/5

4/5

First Points

3/5

4/5

Race To 10 Points

4/5

Barrett will partner with Quinn Tupaea in the midfield, with the Chiefs bruiser one of two key selection calls ahead of the new campaign kicking off.

Just as Tupaea’s efforts in the All Blacks’ Perth win over the Wallabies have earned him another crack in the starting XV at Billy Proctor’s expense, Peter Lakai’s recent performances have seen him dethrone Wallace Sititi as New Zealand’s preferred No.8 for the moment.

“He’s very, very good on both sides of the ball,” Robertson said of the 22-year-old. “He plays straight with ball in hand and on defence. He’s good on the ground, he’s a power athlete and good in all aspects. He’s a good Test footballer, we’re really pleased he took that opportunity last time and went deep for us.”

While Sititi has retained a spot in the matchday 23, Proctor has fallen out of the playing group altogether, with the versatility and X-factor of Leicester Fainga’anuku winning over selectors when picking their bench unit.

“You always consider combinations,” Robertson added. “We know how important the finishing side of the game is. The players pick themselves, because they’re in good form.”

Since letting the rivalry tilt in Ireland’s favour in 2022, New Zealand have won back-to-back Tests against the Six Nations heavyweights, both away from home.

While this weekend’s venue is situated far from the shores of either nation, Robertson says the All Blacks are expecting a similar contest to the 2024 effort, which saw his team end a 19-game unbeaten run at the Irish stronghold that is Aviva Stadium.

“I don’t think you could say we’ve had the edge over them; those games were really close. There are small margins; a referee’s call, a bounce of the ball that could have gone either way.

“We expect that this weekend as well, a tight, physical match won on skillset or effort or something like that. We expect the best version of them, and we’ve got to be at our best on the day.”