Northern | US

'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)
Comments
2 Comments

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Video Spacer

RWC 2027 Ticket Application explainer | RP

Ticket applications for Rugby World Cup 2027 open from May 19th! Create your account at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

Create account

Video Spacer

RWC 2027 Ticket Application explainer | RP

Ticket applications for Rugby World Cup 2027 open from May 19th! Create your account at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

“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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

RugbyPass App Download

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!


Whether you’re looking for somewhere to track upcoming fixtures, a place to watch live rugby or an app that shows you all of the latest news and analysis, the RugbyPass rugby app is perfect.

Watch Super Rugby LIVE on RugbyPass TV

Tune in to every Super Rugby Pacific 2026 match live and on-demand on RugbyPass TV and via the RugbyPass app.

Watch Live
Streaming available in the USA only.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
J
JB 28 mins 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 12 mins 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.

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Watch Super Rugby LIVE on RugbyPass TV

close

Tune in to every Super Rugby Pacific 2026 match live and on-demand on RugbyPass TV and app.

Watch Live
Streaming available in the USA only.
Copied to clipboard

Share Article close