Two and a half seasons of Beauden Barrett on the books is better than nothing
Short-term pain for long-term gain. That’s how the Blues are viewing Beauden Barrett’s Japanese sojourn next season.
The Blues always knew there was a catch in hooking the big fish that is Barrett from the Hurricanes.
They understood Barrett would take a one-season sabbatical at the front end of his four-year agreement with New Zealand Rugby that takes him through to the next World Cup in 2023.
The only question was which overseas club would snare Barrett for 2021, before he returns to the Blues and All Blacks.
Japan, as the destination of choice for elite All Blacks wanting to cash in, was the preferred option, and the Milton Haig-coached Suntory Sungoliath have now landed Barrett’s services on a deal thought to be worth $1.5 million.
Whatever test matches we get this year, don't expect to see Scott Barrett donning the silver fern. #AllBlackshttps://t.co/LXQofuRiAZ
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 2, 2020
“We knew about it last year when he signed the contract so it’s been very transparent from day one,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said. “We’ve always been planning hence we’ve taken extra 10s in our squad.
“Even to the point we knew Beauden wasn’t going to be here next year there was a little bit of that decision making around keeping Otere Black at 10 and Beauden at fullback to help grow Otes for next year as well.
“He goes with our blessings, really, because he has earned the right and we know we’re going to get him back for two more years once he returns so we’re thrilled to have him involved in the long term.”
Midway through this year, Blues fans are only beginning to enjoy the sight of Barrett stalking the backfield. While he’s yet to unleash his dynamic running game Barrett’s composure and tactical kicking influence has been profound in his first three Super Rugby Aotearoa victories.
Losing Barrett next season won’t sit well with everyone, but in the modern age it’s the new norm when attempting to retain New Zealand’s leading players. Brodie Retallick has skipped two Super Rugby seasons with the Chiefs, which includes this year’s All Blacks campaign, in his deal with Kobe Steelers, while Sam Whitelock has just returned from Japan after he stayed on following the World Cup.
From Dan Carter to Richie McCaw, Ben Smith, Jerome Kaino and Ma’a Nonu, New Zealand Rugby has long embraced sabbaticals as a tool to bridge salary gaps and help prolong careers.
The alternative is watching the likes of Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua, Lima Sopoaga sign long-term agreements abroad and become ineligible for the All Blacks.
“It makes sense – we don’t want them to leave our shores for good,” MacDonald said. “A little bit of short term pain in between World Cups allows them to come back and play rugby in New Zealand for New Zealand at the peak of their careers.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose players at 28, 29, 30 when probably their best rugby is being played at that age and they’re contributing the most back to the group with all their experience and learning so to have them involved in the latter part of their career is really important to New Zealand rugby.
“They’ve done a great job in terms of retaining some of their talent.”
Players coming and going from squads can unsettle success. There’s an element of adjustment that comes with getting up to speed and settling into specific structures and game plans. The Blues will undoubtedly be an inferior side without Barrett next year, but MacDonald downplayed the juggling act they signed up to.
“There’s very limited disruption. We have players with long term injuries all the time. It’s very much commonplace in the rugby environment. You just adapt, react, back your squad and make sure you’ve got enough depth.”
With Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta and Harry Plummer on the books for next year the Blues won’t replace Barrett next season and MacDonald said extending Carter’s contract was not in their thinking.
While Black continues to drive the Blues from first five-eighth it’s difficult to see MacDonald switching Barrett from fullback before he leaves for Japan.
“Otes was playing good rugby pre-lockdown and fullback was a good way to introduce Beauden into our game without chucking him straight into the fire. Whether he stays there will depend on injuries, form, and what we want to achieve out of the game with our tactics.
“It was an easy decision to leave Otes at 10 knowing he’s there for next season as well and working alongside Beauden in terms of driving our game.
“It doesn’t mean they are going to stay there forever. Who knows? We’re not locking ourselves into any decisions around selection.”
Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments