Tony Johnson weighs in on Jordie Barrett's position in 2026

If you were picking outside backs who were best under the high ball, then Jordie Barrett and fullback and Caleb Clarke one one wing would be our best options. Jordan really struggles under high ball IMO although he is a lethal finisher. Jordie at fullback offers a massive punt, solid defence and great under high ball but not as lethal on counter attack

Remake the Nonu/C Smith combo.

Fainga’anuku at 12, J Barrett at 13. Power, pace, offloading at 12; power, distribution and 50/22 at 13.

Fainga’anuku will square up the defense, J Barrett will pass into space or get a 50/22.

Instead of trying to make J Barrett a Nonu, use him as C Smith on steroids, with a boot.

Biggest issue with Jordie Barrett is that he has played 3306 minutes since early 23/02/24, with only an 8 week break between 25/01/25 and 23/03/25, which is well short of the break annual break AB's the supposed to have, and meant he had an 11 month season before that. It was no surprise that by the end of TRC he looked knackered. I fail to see how this is in the interests of NZ rugby, or the player. Hopefully the Hurricanes don't use him until well into March.

All the talk about Quinn, Leicester and Jordie but what about Tavatavanawai who should be in the mix next year

I want rugby rules changed and made easier for the good of players,coaches,and spectators.I have my list and wish to have a chance to present them at the world referees rugby congress,for use at the 2027 RWC.

Tony, Jordie has the kick/pass/run skills, great vision, agility and game sense of a top test fly-half. Was it Jordie’s cross kick to Narawa against the Boks (if it wasn’t he’s definitely pulled that off in the past). He’s also got a booming punt, spiral up and under and for the line, and he’s also probably our best aerial exponent in the back field (where the likes of Mounga and BB used to be effective, before the change in the escort rule). If you put aside for the moment that he’s 6’5’’ (much taller than the usual flyhalf, although Prendergast and Rico Simpson are both tall) he has all the attributes for that position. Swap Jordie in for his brother. Razor needs to think radically to counter the big changes in the game. With Roigard and Jordie running the show, one huge left foot, one right, and the Bruise Bros (QT and LF) outside him, the ABs would be a worry for any defence. With Jordie at fly-half, squaring before he passes (unlike BB who simply drifts sideways) there’d be more room outside.

I’m hoping Razor will build his backline around 3 Crusaders next season- Mo’unga, Fainga’anuka, and Jordan.

9 Roigard, 10 Mo’unga, 11 Clarke, 12 J. Barrett, 13 Fainga’anuka, 14 Tangitua, 15 Jordan

21 Preston, 22 McKenzie, 23 Tupaaea

It would be worth trying.

Moving the best inside centre in the world to displace the best fullback in the world makes no sense

I really like a Leicester Tupaea midfield, Quinn reminds me of a mix of Conrad, Umaga, and Kahui rather than your Ma’a, Tuipulotu, or Laumape’s. I think he could really make a good fist of an International center, much has Kriel has done for South Africa.

He wouldn’t be an optimal option and ahead of the likes of Proctor or Ioane, but if he is to keep making the squad it is probably over a ALB in future.

Doubt they’ll move Jordie back to 15, would create more problems than it’d solve. Suddenly he’d be competing with Beauden, McKenzie, and Love for a spot, and what happens to Jordan? Move him to 14 and he’s suddenly competing with the likes of Narawa, Carter, Tangitau for a start. Leicester off the bench is working, why change what isn’t broke? Coaching is the real issue here.

It’s actually pretty obvious given he’s very tall and can jump high to boot (no pun intended). Given that we have fai’anuku who covers centre and wing and we have the power centre (of sorts) and late 2025 stand out Tupaea both of these can play at 12/13.

Why Nz Ab’s ‘top 15 side is building nicely. only at number 8 and 6 do we have a depth issue. No problem with Parker at 6 but Sititi at 8 meh he’s overrated at 8 then who? this is why ‘dumbdumb move like an ice berg’ NZRU needed to use Iose at 8 he’s the fastest loose forward in NZ faster than Savea he’s got power and explosion. why have they not picked him? It baffles the mind they pick the most ponderous hooker in nz rugby ‘McAllister. glad he’s been found wanting ffs how could they not see this before he? they pick the most unskilled slowest hooker over George Bell who’s as close as we can get the the greatest hooker ever in Dane Coles, he’s the closest to him. Bell is fast allusive has very good ball skills and getting better all the time.