Jordie Barrett says in hindsight it would have been good to get some rugby under his belt playing for Taranaki, but he won’t be arguing with the All Blacks coaches about their plans anytime soon.
Barrett, who will line up at right winger against Italy, has played just 80 minutes of rugby in the three months going back to the end of August.
“In hindsight maybe yes (I would have liked to play more, even for Taranaki) but we can’t do anything about it now,” the youngest Barrett said in Rome.
“I’ve only played 80 minutes since the back end of August so I was going to be excited anyway, the coaches have their plans and the way they want things to work so we can’t argue with that.”
Steve Hansen said playing the younger Barrett brother on the wing was about opening up selection chances for him, while he wants Vaea Fifita to make a physical impact. (Source: Other)
An excited Barrett said he felt comfortable enough making the transition to the flank from his customary position of fullback.
“I’ve trained at wing plenty of times and I’ve played obviously second halves and back ends of games for the Hurricanes and even three Test matches I’ve played the last 20 for the All Blacks on the wing,” he said.
“It’s comfortable enough I’ve got through my things so far this week and as I said I’ve spent time there so really looking forward to it.”
“Fullbacks have more of a licence to go roaming and get more touches in the middle of the park, so I guess it’s just looking for opportunities out wide and where I can get involved.”
“Just nailing little things like my high back and getting positive gain lines.”
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