Super Rugby Pacific: Jordie Barrett “best in the middle of the field” is not the ultimate defender for winning the Hurricanes title

All Blacks coach Ian Foster might prefer Jordie Barrett on the outskirts, but the Hurricanes appear to be using him on Wednesday for the rest of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland named Barrett Wednesday in jumper No. 12 for Saturday’s quarterfinals against the Brumbies, saying it was “the best for the Hurricanes at the moment”.

Barrett was one of the All Blacks’ top defenders last season, but sparked a hot topic in April when he said the second five-eight was “the most comfortable position” for him.

Foster does not see Barrett’s immediate future in the middle of the field and said in a podcast interview this week that the 25-year-old is just a “long-term option.”

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* “He’s doing what he’s told”: Hurricanes are ashamed of Jordie Barrett’s future number 12

“We watched him play 12. He didn’t get excited that he went there,” Foster said. “He’s already played 12 and he’s quite enjoying it. If it stimulates him, it’s great and I wonder if it’s a long-term option for us, because it could happen. “

But right now, Holland has a lot of confidence in Barrett’s midfield capabilities.

That’s why he put him back in role # 12 – where he played most of the season – as one of five key changes from the base team, which lost 27-22 with the Western Force last weekend.

“Of course we see the best thing about Jordie’s skills for this team around playing at 12,” Holland said.

“I’m pretty excited about what he’s offering as a midfielder.”

Holland said he saw 100 percent why Foster “likes him around 15”.

“He is a quality football player, wherever we play with him. What every team needs is where the teams go. For our team, Jordie is a huge part of this playoffs and how we can win matches at the age of 12. “

Barrett missed the match in Perth due to illness, but his return to the middle of the field was a clear example of horses on odds against the Brumbies. With a height of 1.96 m and almost 100 kg, Barrett’s physique will be a benefit against the explosive duo ACT Irae Simone and Len Ikitau.

Holland noted that the Brumbies also have “a lot of things floating in these channels that can also be worn.”

“Jordie likes to come and do things, but he’s also good at passing on and making our profits.”

But he said there wasn’t much difference between the Super Rugby midfielders and this week’s picks were “more about us and what we need.”

This means that at the age of 12, Barrett is in the middle of Billy Proctor and offers another opportunity for the creator of the game to the young first fifth-eighth Aidan Morgan. Impressive newcomer Josh Moorby remains on the outskirts.

The return of Barrett and Captain Ardie Save will strengthen the Hurricanes. Blake Gibson is also back to partner Save and Du’Plessis Kirifi in the back.

Isaia Walker-Leawere’s powerful castle also returns from illness to pack with James Blackwell.

“It’s good to have Izzy back when he’s not well,” Holland said. “He’s a big man and we’re going to need big strong men.” [against the Brumbies] in procedures around the standard situation, so now that he’s back at 100%, we hope big things from him on Saturday. ”

Halfback TJ Perenara becomes the first Hurricane to play 150 Super Rugby games and Julian Savea replaces Wes Goosen on the right.

Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea (Captain), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Blake Gibson, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tevita Mafileo. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Ruben Love, Wes Goosen.