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'There's no way': Ex-All Black shuts down Beauden Barrett versus Josh Jacomb debate

Josh Jacomb of the Chiefs during the round one Super Rugby match between Blues and Chiefs at Eden Park, on February 14, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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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12 Comments
B
B 24 days ago

Change it up and play Perofeta at #10 and Beauden to #15 for the first 40 vs Chiefs…after so many dongs (Nov 2025.. Ireland(head on head) Scotland(leg injury)and then limping v England where he couldn't kick the ball out)…that might better serve his field vision with more time to react and call the play…or not, otherwise???

B
Blackmania 24 days ago

The experience”… the famous one!


The one that excuses everything, even poor performances.


You can see that these illustrious players really struggle to be objective when it comes to their peers. It’s hard to be the one who says, “Yes, Beauden Barrett should no longer be selected.”


It lacks courage… but oh well, Rennie and Henry will have that on their side!

L
LondonAllBlack 24 days ago

As far as I am concerned, no 35y.o should be in contention for the All Blacks. I don’t care what his track record is.

J
JW 24 days ago

Dmac can not longer do what he made him a fullback, so he will be back to 10 for the Finals. On the other hand Reihana will be elevated into 10 for the Finals, and will easily outperform Barrett.


Fair dues to Jacomb though, appears to have found his footing in SR after a couple of years and is doing more of what he could previously at NPC level now.

S
SO 24 days ago

Reihana is a better 10 than Jacomb. There is plenty of experience in the AB’s without taking BB. What has his experience done for the Blues? Zilch! Move on from him he is done. From now it’s Love Dmac and Reihana.

I
Icefarrow 24 days ago

BB has always been a better Fullback, but none of the young 10s aside from Love are worth selecting. You bring in another 10, and suddenly you’re dropping a midfielder or winger. No thanks, I'll stick with BB.

J
JW 24 days ago

No, you’re dropping BB.

P
PickOllieMathisOrKeepLosing,Rob. 24 days ago

Everybody sux eventually. BB is no exception.

J
JB 24 days ago

Does Mils want BB there as a coach or a player? Mils went out of his way not to criticise BB in the weekend after his mistakes. He basically didn’t even mention BB when reviewing the charge down try. When BB kicked the ball straight into the legs of the Hurricanes, Mils talked about how BB obviously saw space in behind. Jeff generally isn’t any better.

K
KwAussie 24 days ago

I think sometimes these ex players have a loyalty to the incumbent that clouds their judgement at times. Personally I think taking BB to South Africa is a good idea, however the past with him, DMac or RM is not the solution to the ABs moving forward.

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