Despite his axing for tomorrow's Test with Argentina in Buenos Aires, All Blacks youngster Jordie Barrett still has the world at his feet, according to coach Steve Hansen.
After a poor showing in New Zealand's 36-34 loss to South Africa in Wellington, Barrett is seemingly paying the price for a high profile error, with a botched quick lineout throw allowing Springboks fullback Willie le Roux to score.
Speaking at his pre-match media conference though, Hansen made it clear that he sees a huge future in the black jersey for the youngest of the Barrett siblings.
"He's 20 or 21, so he's not a very old rugby player, but he's a very talented one," Hansen said.
Jordie is a project; he's got the potential to be very, very special. His game understanding for his age is understandably not that good at times."
The All Blacks' coach also said that Barrett must be given a chance to learn from his mistakes, backing him to come back a better player.
Barrett said walking back to halfway after Beauden scored felt "pretty cool". (Source: Other)
"Sometimes you've just got to give them a bit of a go, and it comes off. You've still got to get them to learn, and sometimes you give them a go, and it doesn't come off.
"That's when you put your arm around him and make sure he doesn't lose his confidence from the whole thing.
"He can make the odd mistake, but do some really great things too."
Comparing Barrett to fellow youngster Damian McKenzie, Hansen is backing the fullback to come good, saying that once he adapts to Test match rugby, his potential is seemingly limitless.
"It's a bit like when we first got Damian. He was all over the place - I described him quite often as a fly in a bottle.
"He's now settled down and has become very fluid in the game. He understands when to take risks versus the rewards that come with them.
"Jordie is still learning that. You don't want to knock the good stuff out of him, you just want him to learn when to push the button."
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