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Beauden Barrett copies Wilkinson tactic to solve his game's biggest weakness

By Josh Raisey

21 Jan 2020

Beauden Barrett has linked up with Jonny Wilkinson's old kicking coach Dave Alred

In preparation for the new Super Rugby season, Beauden Barrett has been working on his kicking game with acclaimed elite performance coach Dave Alred.

The long-time kicking coach to Jonny Wilkinson has also worked with a variety of sportspeople across a number of sports, including golf’s Luke Donald.

But he has long been revered as one of the main contributors to the success of England’s World Cup-wining fly-half.

Barrett is yet another superstar of the rugby world to work with the Englishman, as he has also teamed up with Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton in the past.

Known for his distinctive style, Wilkinson has been remembered in the annals of rugby history as being one of if not the best kicker ever. Throughout his career, his relationship with Alred was well documented.

(Continue reading below…)

Hurricanes star Ardie Savea on course for early return from a knee injury

Despite being named the World Rugby player of the year on two occasions, one area of Barrett’s game where he has received some criticism is his goalkicking.

This has been shown up on the biggest stages of all, namely the British and Irish Lions series in 2017, and while it is not necessarily a weakness per se, it is not as strong as the rest of the New Zealander’s game.

This resulted in Richie Mo’unga holding onto the No10 shirt for the All Blacks for the majority of 2019 to provide more reliability from the tee, while Barrett played at full-back.

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Working with Alred could be immeasurably helpful for both the All Blacks and the Blues, the club Barrett has joined after moving to Auckland from the Hurricanes.

He is going to take an extended break before his season starts and will only play for the Blues midway through their campaign.

However, the 28-year-old’s willingness to train with Alred is a sign that he is making some huge and crucial improvements to his game before the season starts.

WATCH: Andy Goode and Brendan Venter didn’t hold back on this week’s The Rugby Pod as they discussed Saracens and the salary cap scandal

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Comments on RugbyPass

Icefarrow 20 minutes ago

2024 in review: Beauden Barrett’s brilliance sparks thrilling All Blacks win

Yeah, Perofeta's injury opened the door for Love to debut. Love's injury in NPC ruled him out of the Bledisloe Cup matches, but Robertson saw potential in him, so he kept him around for the EOYT. However, Perofeta's recovery meant he could return, hence Love being played on the Wing.

Robertson's attitude was just pissing me off near the end of the year, with how he'd go around complimenting the new guys as if he'd always seen potential in them, despite only giving them a chance due to injuries.

4 Go to comments

SO 1 hour ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

I would remove J Barrett from that list ofbacks with outstanding seasons

12 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

I really enjoyed a couple of new locations this year. I think both stadiums crowds were pumping!?!

I said it to NB, but wasn't thinking of 3 match tours when I did (just the RC home/away games), and it would be even better to have a 5 week tour during the 6N right? Play a couple of warm ups against a SAmerican team and Jaguares, then 3 tests in a row?

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

What age do the kids come out of Varsity Cup, both the most talented and others that have to go all the way through?

They've tried it but I don't think their version of Currie Cup was ever able to sustain itself (if the CC does).

So you're not longer a primary Currie Cup fan? Can I ask when that changed?

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

In 2021, Daily Maverick crunched the numbers and found that upwards of 500 South Africans were playing professional rugby for foreign clubs around the world.

197 Go to comments

Cantab 1 hour ago

Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’ under Razor

It will happen. Watch for Hotham to become understudy to Roigard for instance. As the formerly tried & true depart there are always up & comers ready to fill the gap.

12 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He said "if" Graham

if they had Japan type interest and Money

Its a lack of ability by SARU thats the problem. SA has plenty of wealth to be able to support it.

I think by wealth he meant rugby wise, at least that's how I read it, as he's clearly saying SA can't do it.

At least not on a big stage, it's relatively accessable to do things like inter varisty competitions, and your guys just took out a competition in Dubai? NZ does stuff like that but I don't get an excitement that their activities can ever amount to much. I'm sure theres a much different feeling of excitement within SA.

In saying that, that sort of thing is actually how they could make money too. But can they dictate things for themselves by forming an African league? That would require some wealthy individuals for sure. Personally I think they should be happy just being a part of someone else idea, or a mutual one, as it will still take the game there to the next level. You just won't get rich by doing it.

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Again, what's your point?

If it's anything to do with the discussion going on, I'll just say it's not going to happen in the future, as the Tuipulotu's aren't going to have grandparents from another country.

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Any your point is?

No one's begrudging them that. JWH just said it's not a great look for the game, and it isn't.

197 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

That's a bit of a naive statement Nick. Have a read of this article School boy contracting

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Whatya mean?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

He included NZ in his point. They won't profit from it because it's now a 5 year residency requirement.

Are you arguing for that to return Nick? I think it would actually be great if kiwis could play for heritage countries like that and still remain eligible for the ABs. I don't think NZR arguing for that change is likely to happen, so it has to come from another means. The new Chairman?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

When was the last time SA won a series in NZ (actually I was thinking about NZ in SA), or the RC? Was that the point you were trying to make?

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Well said, the immediate situation is well in hand as all it would take is a little rigging. The real discussion is what happens after that, but I guess people just want to gossip about the short term.

197 Go to comments

JW 2 hours ago

Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

Do you know how it's shared? Split over each URC team? Well said. The new club owners could spice things up right?