Why it doesn't really matter if Beauden Barrett wears the 10 or 15 jersey for the All Blacks
Since all-time legend Dan Carter vacated the 10 jersey for the All Blacks following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, basically one man has followed in his footsteps.
Beauden Barrett has started at first five-eighth 36 times followed by Aaron Cruden (3 starts), Lima Sopoaga (1 start), Damian McKenzie (1 start) and now Richie Mo’unga (5).
Only now, on the eve of the World Cup, has the plan with Barrett seemingly changed on the surface, with Barrett playing the last three tests at fullback with Richie Mo’unga at 10, in a move described by Hansen as a way to get both players on the field at the same time.
So, does it really matter what number Beauden Barrett wears in Steve Hansen’s set-up?
Defence
The first five-eighth has been part of New Zealand’s backfield in defence for quite some time now, as part of a two-fullback system that patrols the pitch in halves.
Playing with two fullbacks at all times makes it very difficult for opposition kickers to find the grass when kicking long, and also allows the wingers to play high up in the line and circumvent kick-chasers through light contact to limit contestable kicks.
Using a 10 in the backfield as a second fullback also provides another link man for counter-attacking opportunities, which is an integral part of All Blacks’ rugby.
The ball can be moved across the field faster to attack developing space in the fragmented kick-chase line. Just having one man back that has to potentially wait for re-loading wingers and other supporting players limits the range and speed at which you can spark counter attacks.
But this two-back system puts extra responsibility on the 10 to do as a fullback does.
There are certain must-have requirements – speed, great one-on-one tackling ability to close down line breaks, an out-of-hand kicking game and aerial skills to diffuse bombs and box kicks to name a few.
Luckily, Beauden Barrett has all of these in spades: natural height at 6’1″ to compete in the air, punting range of 60-metres plus out-of-hand plus a full bag of kicks in the arsenal, and burning speed to close space and chase down anyone.
When Barrett plays at 10, he only defends in the front line for the few phases following the set-piece before joining the two-man backfield where his skills are better utilised.
The reality is even if he’s playing at first five, he plays as a fullback on defence anyway – as required by any 10 playing for the All Blacks. There is no material difference in this area of the game when wearing 10 or 15 on his back except for being in the backfield 100% of the time versus 95%.
Phase play
We have seen the All Blacks adapt in 2019 towards phase play patterns that create fast width and reduce forward carrying.
These new patterns provide a high volume of first receiver touches for the ‘drivers’, who are the backs tasked with organising pods and playing first receiver (often the 10, 12 or 15).
With Barrett at 15 in this new system, we have seen him as a distributor at first receiver during phase play just as frequently as Mo’unga.
Against the Springboks in Wellington, Mo’unga took the lion share of first receiver touches (37.0%) over Barrett (20.7%), in Perth against the Wallabies they took the same amount each (34.9%).
At the rain-soaked Eden Park in the final Bledisloe, Barrett (14.5%) edged Mo’unga (12.9%) as the latter’s night ended early with a shoulder injury.
The crazy amount of combined first receiver touches for Mo’unga and Barrett during the first two tests (57.7% and 69.8%) illustrates just how much load there is for the two playmakers in these ‘fast-width’ patterns that skip on forward carries.
The much lower amount (27.4% combined) in the 36-0 win over the Wallabies shows a reversion back to a tighter game around Aaron Smith using forward runners off 9 and more kicking in the wet conditions at Eden Park.
The change in the required distribution load under the ‘fast width’ patterns means Barrett gets as much time at first receiver as he would normally (30-40%) under a 1-3-3-1 or any system geared for more carries off 9.
The system change to ‘fast width’ patterns may have, in part, been made to accommodate having both Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga on the field at the same time to avoid either of them being ‘iced’ out of the game for long periods.
However, there is still a valid argument that either player would better off taking on the whole or most of the 60-70% load of first receiver duties, giving them a better feel for the game over the whole eighty minutes.
Set-piece attack
This is the one area of the game where the role materially changes enough between the first five and fullback.
Barrett no longer is the first receiver, removing some of his capacity as a playmaker and distributor from set-piece plays.
Riche Mo’unga takes over at standoff for about 80-90% of the plays, barring the limited occasions a 12 carry or winger carry is called.
Barrett plays the traditional fullback role looking to link in at the end of play out wide, inject on a wider running line, or waiting for a touch on the second or third phase.
Shedding the Supersub label
For a long time, it seemed that Barrett was destined to be pigeon-holed as a supersub utility, starting only 8 times in his first 36 appearances in the black jersey.
His versatility value coming off the bench covering two positions was seen in the public eye as greater than his ability to start at either fullback or first five-eighth and as the post-Carter era begun he continued this role (albeit briefly).
Over this World Cup cycle, Barrett’s dual position coverage isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ for a 10 anymore, it’s fast becoming a ‘must-have’ in a number of ways as the game evolves and positional requirements continue to converge.
That has placed Barrett’s development arc, first as fullback and secondly as a first five, perfectly where demand for versatility is peaking at his position at 10.
If he does play at 15, most of what he does at 10 is transferrable and still required by the system, making his role as a 15 marginally different from that at 10.
If Dan Carter is the purest 10 the game has ever seen, Barrett is building a legacy based on playing two positions at once and being the best at it as the quasi-fullback becomes the norm for any first five.
Bill Ellis podcast discuss the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad:
Comments on RugbyPass
Article intéressant ! La question devrait régulièrement se poser pour les jeunes français originaires de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis-et-Futuna et de Polynésie entre la Nouvelle-Zélande et la Métropole… Difficile pour la fédération française de rugby de se positionner : soit le choix est fait de dénicher les jeunes talents et de les faire venir très tôt en Métropole, au risque de les déraciner, soit on prend le risque de se les faire “piller” par les All Blacks qui, telle une araignée, essaye de récupérer tous les talents des îles du Pacifique… À la France de se défendre en développant l’aura du XV de France et des clubs français dans ses collectivités d’Outre-mer !
2 Go to commentsWrong bay. He needs to come to the REAL BAY which is Bay Of Plenty and have a crack at making the Chiefs.
2 Go to commentsIs Barrett going play full back??? They already have all the centers…
15 Go to commentsForgive my ignorance, I might not fully understand so would appreciate clarification: Didn’t the Bulls have to fly with three different carriers, paid for by the South African Rugby Union, whilst Edinburgh got a chartered flight sponsored by EPCR? Also, as far as I understand it South African teams don’t yet share in the revenue from the competition and are not allowed to host Semi-finals or Finals at home. Surely if everyone wants South Africans to “take the competition seriously” then they must make South Africans feel welcome, allow them to share in the revenue, and give them the same levels of access as the teams from the other countries. Just a reminder that South Africa has a large and passionate Rugby audience. Just by virtue of our teams being a part of these competitions means that more of us are likely to watch the knockout games, even if our teams haven’t qualified. It would be silly to alienate such a large audience by making them feel unwelcome.
18 Go to commentsFirst of all. This guy is very much behind the curve. All the bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning took place days ago already. Not adding anything to the topic other than more bleating, whingeing, whining and moaning. 🍼 Second of all, not one mention of the fact that South African teams can’t get home semi finals or finals. The tournament was undermined and devalued by the administrators. 🤡 Thirdly, football teams often have to juggle selections in mid week games, premier games, champions league games etc. and will from time to time prioritize certain titles over others. 🐒 And lastly FEK Neil, and anyone else for that matter, for insisting on telling teams how to manage themselves. If they make what is largely a business decision that suits them and doesn’t suit you - tough shite. 💩 It’s not rocket science as to why the Bulls did what they did. If this guy is too slow to figure it out (and is deliberately not mentioning one of the key reasons why) then he isn’t a journalist. He should join the rest of us pundit plebs in comments section. 🥴
18 Go to commentsSo the first door to knock on Rob is Parliament followed by HMRC. The Irish Revenue deliver a 40% tax relief rebate on the HIGHEST EARNING TEN YEARS of every pro Irish rugby players contract earnings at retirement. That goes a long way to both retaining their best talent and freeing up wages for marquee players. Who knows, if that had been in place in the UK, you might not have been able to poach Hoggy and Jonny Gray from Glasgow…!!!
2 Go to comments1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!
18 Go to commentsthe success of the premiership can be summarized by : only 10 teams. It makes a huge difference with the overcrowded top 14 (let us not talk about Leinster and URC…)
1 Go to commentsGood for him. The ABs were fooling around again with converted fullbacks that had a penetration of a marshmallow. Laumape or as Aki has shown for Ireland, go forward is important in the centres. If it had been DMac - Aki- Aumua - Ioane- Telea- Jordan in France the final result would have been different.
4 Go to commentsDan Carter a apporté son professionnalisme, des méthodes de travail, un esprit qui manquaient à l’USAP. Son influence, même une fois blessé a été énorme. Et pour citer une anecdote, certains soirs il venait de lui-même à l’entraînement des jeunes pour dispenser ses conseils. On ne peut pas compter ce qu’il a apporté au club en heures de jeu sur le terrain. Est-ce que le club en a eu pour son argent ? Avec la publicité sur son nom et le titre, je suppose que oui.
1 Go to commentsThe SA sides are suffering from a bum rap here. There isn’t a side anywhere in the world that would do things differently in their shoes. They’ve been set up to fail in the EPCR comps by vested interests, with last minute intercontinental travel requirements that costs an arm and a leg to book in advance just on the possibility they might be required. And the total nonsense that denies any chance of home venues is entirely biased and absolutely unsporting. Either EPCR, the Top14 & the Gallagher Premiership get it sorted on a fair and equitable sporting basis for ALL participants or expect the ridicule to continue. Right now, these comps are a joke!
18 Go to commentsSA sides should do the right thing and leave the champions cup, they are lowering the standard with completely one sided games, not up to the right level. The greatest club tournament in the world is being banjaxed by the weak SA sides.
18 Go to commentsCouldnt agree more. SA sides need to show more committment and really have a go at the Champions Cup. Its quite possibly the most prestigious title in Europe and SA sides need to respect that prestige and serve up their best. EPCR needs to do more to ensure that sides from South Africa and sides travelling to and from SA have a better chance in this competition. The Bulls were put in a really difficult position of having to travel there and back in one week. One could argue that this is what the SA sides signed up for and that La Rochelle didnt complain or send out weakened sides despite having to travel to SA and back and play on successive weekends but surely the situation is also unfair on La Rochelle as well and so EPCR needs to think about successive gameweeks and the travel effect of the competition
18 Go to commentsI hadn’t watched much Canes this season but sat through a replay of that Chiefs game with no distractions. That pack is beastly. I really like the look of Iose. He loves the tough stuff. The first Quins clip may be the best I have even seen for a TH driving his opposite into oblivion. i need to take your word for the contribution of Walker, but Collier there with a straight back pushing up from under was a lovely thing to see. Have you fallen in love with Baxter also, Nick? I think Stuart Barnes may have written his column about him recently, naked. He positively frothed.
14 Go to commentsSmart guy. I wish he was running the RFU or something!
2 Go to commentsWhy Barrett, when Leinster already have at least 4 top centres.?
15 Go to commentsGood write up, Brett. Rebels are an interesting one for sure. 88 points scored in the last two games, but against two teams that are unlikely to be in the top 4 at seasons end. However the other side of the coin, against the Hurricanes, the team to beat atm, they conceded 54 points, and add in another 53 points to the then high flying Reds, and things don’t look so good. The acid tests will be against the Blues and the Chiefs. I do hope they do contest the finals this year, if only to confound those working on their demise. Les Kiss has made a big difference to the Qld. Reds, and they could so easily have now been sitting unbeaten at the top of the table. But they have now lost some games in a most disappointing fashion, and now step up against the Highlanders this weekend seriously depleted, four absolute key players down, two to suspension, two injured. Of the other Australian sides, the Brumbies look unlikely to fold to anyone any time soon, while the Waratahs and Force both disappoint. But still and all, winning games against the NZ sides is very welcome, and one would hope for more to come. Who will come out on top ? A North Island side for sure should contest the final, but I would hope an Australian side might just get there this year. Brumbies most likely, Qld. Reds could be formidable with a full team back on the field.
12 Go to commentsThe stat that illustrates some progress compared to recent years is that Aussie sides have won 5 of 12 games against Kiwi sides. The Tahs have lost 2 tight games against Kiwi sides, while the Reds and Tahs have contrasting experiences in games against Kiwi sides decided by that farcical thing called golden point.
12 Go to commentsThe Hurricanes pack has stepped up in a huge way this year. Their improvement at scrum time has been a big contributor to their success. Aumua looks like he is playing with a lot of confidence and put in a really good display at both set piece and in general play on Saturday. Him and Numia are putting in a good case for higher honours, A dominate combination with Lomax will help their case. And their loose forward depth is class. Iose has benefited from regular game time and Lakai has shown his versatility and promise. Thanks Nick. Hope all is well.
14 Go to commentsSamoa have enough former internationals who want to flick a switch for a country most have probably hardly set foot in. If you’re that passionate about Samoa, go live and play rugby there to qualify instead of just waltzing into the side and kicking a player actually from Samoa out of the squad. All these ex internationals hasn’t really made them that much more competitive because most look like they're going through the motions.
2 Go to comments