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'There's no way': Ex-All Black shuts down Beauden Barrett versus Josh Jacomb debate
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Former All Blacks Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina have debated the possibility that Blues first five Beauden Barrett loses his place in the All Blacks to upstart Chiefs No.10 Josh Jacomb recently.
The 24-year-old has played behind Damian McKenzie for a number of years, but with McKenzie finding more game time at fullback, Jacomb has had more time in the saddle at No.10.
With incumbent Beauden Barrett’s form in a troubled place, ex-All Black Wilson floated the possibility that Jacomb pushes his way into All Black selection with a big last month in Super Rugby Pacific.
“Yes, 100%,” Wilson said on if Jacomb has a future in an All Black jersey.
“I tell you at the moment, 100%, but not in the team. I’m saying he’s in the conversation if he has a really good month.
“I know how classy he has been in the past, but we’re not seeing an inspired Beauden Barrett at the moment under this Blues team.
“I think it’d be really interesting conversation right now if Richie Mo’unga was available for selection about who’s going to get the the the opportunities in the black jersey.
“I’m hoping that Beauden over the next few weeks re-discovers his best form because I think he needs to.”
The Blues have suffered two humiliating losses to the Crusaders and Hurricanes over the last two weeks despite being firmly in contention for a home playoff game in third place.
The Chiefs and Blues will go head-to-head in the final round, pitting Jacomb versus Barrett against each other in a potential All Black No.10 trial.
Former All Black fullback Mils Muliaina shut down the possibility of Barrett missing selection, saying “he will be there”. He said the 144-Test veteran has too much experience that is off value to the All Blacks.
“You don’t underestimate the experience he’s got now. He’ll be there,” Muliaina said.
“He’s in a struggling sort of Blues outfit, but I mean, you’re right. If Richie is in the mix, you know, he could be under under some immense pressure.”
Wilson interjected with: “Jacomb, if he has a big last month?”
“Man, that’s Beauden Barrett, man. You were saying if Jacomb has a big month, man? I still would have Barrett in there. There’s no way you undermine that experience for me.”
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