Rugby
1News

'I didn't ask him his opinion' – Steve Hansen on telling Beauden Barrett he's playing fullback

July 25, 2019

Barrett, the All Blacks regular No 10, will play at fullback against the Springboks on Saturday. (Source: Other)

Beauden Barrett had no say in the decision to move to fullback for this weekend's Test with South Africa in Wellington, coach Steve Hansen revealed today.

Barrett, 28, was surprisingly named in the 15 jersey for Saturday night's showdown with the Springboks, with Richie Mo'unga given the nod at first-five in his place.

While Hansen has expressed his desire to see the two play together at the same time, the All Blacks' coach also revealed that the decision was entirely his own.

"I didn't ask him his opinion," Hansen said.

"I know he can play fullback, he knows he can play fullback.

"When I said 'you're playing fullback', he said 'yep no worries'.

"That's about how it went."

Saturday night will be just the third time in his 75-Test career that Barrett will start at fullback.

RugbyAll Blacks

SHARE ME

More Stories

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson speaks to the team's mental skills advisor Ceri Evans in Wellington.

Analysis: The worrying trend behind All Blacks' latest collapse

The meltdown against the Boks means Scott Robertson has overseen six defeats. His team have led all but one at halftime, writes Patrick McKendry.

Thu, Sep 18

Richie Mo'unga makes a break against Ireland in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal which led to a try for Will Jordan, left. Fellow Japan-based players Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell and Aaron Smith are in support.

Former All Blacks call on NZ Rugby to relax eligibility rules

The thrashing by the Boks has prompted Justin Marshall and others to call on players such as Richie Mo'unga to be available for selection immediately.

Tue, Sep 16

Noah Hotham returns from injury to start at halfback for the All Blacks in Wellington.

Noah Hotham reveals nasty x-ray scans from hospital bed

The All Blacks halfback told fans he "appreciates the aroha" following his serious injury during the big loss to the Springboks on Saturday.

Mon, Sep 15

The All Blacks during the defeat by South Africa

The All Blacks most under pressure after Cake Tin catastrophe

Analysis: A desire for experience in the midfield and safety at the back may put Billy Proctor and Damian McKenzie in spotlight, writes Patrick McKendry.

Mon, Sep 15

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson reacts to his team's loss to the Boks in Wellington.

'Starts with me' – Razor takes responsibility for record All Blacks' loss

A day after the collapse to the Boks in Wellington, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson fronts media to say his team's efforts were not good enough.

Sun, Sep 14

Will Jordan of New Zealand, The Rugby Championship, New Zealand v South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Saturday 13 September, 2025

World media reacts to All Blacks' humiliating loss to Springboks

Here's how media from around the world reacted to the Boks' defiant come-from-behind victory.

Sun, Sep 14

Latest

Popular

7:34pm

Otago lift Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury in southern thriller

Sam Gilbert of Otago lifts the Ranfurly Shield during the NPC and Ranfurly Shield Rugby match.

7:20pm

Joint initiative helps more Pasifika people own homes in Auckland

2:43

"It just means stability and security," new homeowner Maria Meredith told 1News.

6:49pm

Meet the students making te reo Māori their third language

2:20

Akoranga Māori.

5:56pm

Rare, century-old NZ stamp fetches record price at auction

1:57

The rarest stamp in the country has sold for a record price.

4:58pm

Person dies after single-vehicle crash in Whanganui East

One person has died following a serious crash in Whanganui East this morning.

4:17pm

'We're gutted' - Ill-disciplined Black Ferns reflect on World Cup shock

New Zealand skipper Kennedy Tukuafu and head coach Allan Bunting address the media after their defeat in Bristol.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Life and work melds for creative couple behind doco series on teen dads

Johnny and Azita Agnew have a history of delving into the lives of society's most marginalised groups and making artful documentaries.

6:00am

Jimmy Kimmel poses in the press room with the award for host for a game show for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Jimmy Kimmel's talk show pulled indefinitely over Charlie Kirk remarks

"We do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” the network said.

Thu, Sep 18

Chappell Roan arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Pop superstar Chappell Roan to headline Laneway in Auckland

Thu, Sep 18

Tiki Taane performs on stage with his children and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Why are New Zealand musicians leaving Spotify?

Wed, Sep 17

Snoop Dogg performs in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2025.

Snoop Dogg NZ show canned days out

Wed, Sep 17