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'If he gets hold of me in a ruck, I'll be a bit worried': Beauden Barrett's expectations for former teammates

(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Beauden Barrett has revealed he expects a fair amount of sledging when he makes his Blues debut against his former Hurricanes teammates in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

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New Zealand Rugby confirmed earlier this week that the new domestic form of Super Rugby will start on June 13 following the country’s return to alert level 2 this week.

The lockdown had further postponed Barrett’s highly-anticipated debut in the Blues jersey after he signed with the franchise and moved to Auckland from Wellington late last year.

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The Sky Sports NZ team of Kirstie Stanway and Israel Dagg chat to rugby players across the nation as lockdown measures ease and we get closer to the return of our great game.

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The Sky Sports NZ team of Kirstie Stanway and Israel Dagg chat to rugby players across the nation as lockdown measures ease and we get closer to the return of our great game.

But with the draw seeing a clash against the Hurricanes first up, both fans and Barrett himself are counting down the days.

The All Blacks first-five did admit, however, he expects some banter on the field from his former teammates.

“I can see TJ [Perenara] feeding the ball into the scrum and giving me a cheeky smile now and [Dan Coles], if he gets hold of me in a ruck, I’ll be a bit worried,” Barrett told The Country.

“It wouldn’t be the same if there was no feeling or extra niggle in that game so I’m looking forward to it.

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“I was eyeing up returning early-mid April against the Canes at Eden Park so thankfully the draw presents another opportunity straight off the bat, playing my old mates.”

When asked if he expected to be in the number 10 jersey, Barrett said he would be pleased just be named in the team.

“I can’t take it for granted that I’ll be playing,” he said. “It’s my first time in the Blues and I’m still getting up to speed on how the team runs and operates. Still a bit of water to go under the bridge but fingers crossed.

“Hopefully I’ll be in the mix.”

Super Rugby Aotearoa will see the five Super Rugby clubs playing each other home and away over 10 weeks, with two matches every weekend at 5.05pm on Saturdays and 3.05pm on Sundays.

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Matches will be played in closed stadiums until the Government advises an approach to managing mass gatherings in controlled venues that will allow fans to return.

Super Rugby Aotearoa draw

June 13 – Highlanders v Chiefs
June 14 – Blues v Hurricanes

June 20 – Chiefs v Blues
June 21 – Hurricanes v Crusaders

June 27 – Blues v Highlanders
June 28 – Crusaders v Chiefs

July 4 – Highlanders v Crusaders
July 5 – Chiefs v Hurricanes

July 11 – Crusaders v Blues
July 12 – Hurricanes v Highlanders

July 18 – Hurricanes v Blues
July 19 – Chiefs v Highlanders

July 25 – Crusaders v Hurricanes
July 26 – Blues v Chiefs

August 1 – Chiefs v Crusaders
August 2 – Highlanders v Blues

August 8 – Hurricanes v Chiefs
August 9 – Crusaders v Highlanders

August 15 – Highlanders v Hurricanes
August 16 – Blues v Crusaders

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R
RedWarrior 45 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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