'Something I'll be working closely with him on': David Havili on Jordie Barrett's form under pressure

With the World Cup just weeks away, competition for starting spots has all but wrapped up, including the contentious No 12 jersey for the All Blacks.

David Havili has had the bulk of the minutes at second five over this World Cup cycle but has struggled to stay healthy and last year was surpassed by Jordie Barrett who shifted up from fullback.

Barrett’s skillset also offered the kicking game that helped make Havili the attacking threat Ian Foster and co needed to dismantle defensive lines but the Hurricanes utility also offered a physical edge which added an extra string to the All Blacks backline’s bow.

Another injury, this time a hamstring, saw Havili miss The Rugby Championship but manage to return to the NPC for Tasman and prove his health in time to make the World Cup squad.

In Havili’s absence, Barrett has only further cemented himself as the top option in the 12 jersey.

“It’s been awesome to see him going so well in that jersey,” Havili told reporters in London.

“It’s been great just being able to see him execute his skillset like he does under pressure and that’s something that I’ll be working closely with him on, like his little kicking short game, the subtle touches he does, it takes a bit of pressure off our tens to make sure that they’re controlling the game.

“So, it’s been awesome to get back around him and I’m sure I’ll do that over the next couple of games as well.”

Beyond Barrett, there’s been plenty to like about the All Blacks’ start to 2023, having won all four tests en route to retaining The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup.

Having watched from afar, Havili discussed his impressions of the team’s development on the field, saying he’s been impressed by the growth.

“Hugely, you’ve seen it in the results, they speak for themselves and the boys have got a really awesome mindset week to week and that’s what its been, it’s been about playing for a lot of pride in the jersey.”

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The second five will be itching for game time in the weekend’s clash against the Springboks in order to find his rhythm and press his case for minutes in the World Cup.

There’s no cutting corners against a hungry Springboks outfit coming off a 50-point performance against Wales – a match Havili was yet to watch at the time of the interview as he was recovering from jet lag. But the All Black is familiar with what to expect from the South Africans all the same.

“They’ve got strike power all over the park and the way that they defend is putting teams under pressure and you see when that happens, you don’t get what you want.

“It’s been awesome to come back here and feel that bit of pressure, when you’re on the outside you probably don’t get exposed to a lot of it so being back in here and understanding the way they play, it’s been awesome to be back in the mix.”