For a playmaker who claimed back-to-back World Player of the Year awards as a flyhalf in 2016 and 17, Beauden Barrett might have had some cause to query the decision to move him out of the All Blacks’ playmaking role in a World Cup year.
Instead, Barrett just got on with the job at fullback while teammate Richie Mo’unga wore the No.10 shirt during the Rugby Championship.
Over the past two seasons, Crusader Mo’unga had been nipping at Barrett’s heels for the coveted jersey with marauding form with back-to-back Super Rugby titles.
Yet it was still a surprise when coach Steve Hansen opted for dual playmakers in the recent Tests against South Africa and Australia, with Barrett shifted back and Mo’unga pulling the strings.
Prior to the SA match in Wellington, Barrett had not played fullback since coming off the bench against Australia in the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup.
DECISIONS: Steve Hansen. Photo: Andrew Cornaga.
There is no complaining about the switch, he says, while readily admitting 15 was not his favourite position.
Barrett says: “It was something I embraced. This is a team sport and it’s the best thing for the team. The 15 jersey is just as important as the 10 jersey.
“It’s not an egotistical thing for me. It’s get on with it, do what’s best for the team and support Steve and Fozzie [assistant coach Ian Foster] with the decision.”
With Mo’unga injured, Barrett was returned to starting flyhalf for the All Blacks’ 92-7 trouncing of Tonga in their final warm-up game and could be back in the jumper for Saturday’s World Cup opener against South Africa.