Reunited: 17 years after two of the brothers last shared a room, they are sharing again this week

Beauden Barrett’s World Cup semi-final week has been quite a family reunion for the All Blacks full-back. Not since 2002 has the 28-year-old shared a room with younger brother Scott, 25, who has been included in the XV to start against England on Saturday. 

“He’s a bit bigger since the top bunk he slept in – he probably wouldn’t fit. I was on the bottom bunk back in 2002,” said Beauden Barrett on Thursday after it was confirmed Scott will start against England with Jordie, another brother, settling for a spot on the bench.    

“It’s great to room with him, he’s clearly got his rugby head on because the other night he was sleep-talking and was calling out lineout moves. That was going through his head, that’s for sure.”

Beauden Barrett gained many admirers last weekend for how he used a post-match man of the match interview after the quarter-final win over Ireland as an opportunity to pay tribute to their late grandfather Ted.  

“Last week was a tough week for dad (Kevin) and for ourselves, so it was awesome to share that moment with him. He’s called ‘Smiley’ for a reason.

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“That grin of his comes out quite often, it’s always good to see. He’s a proud dad. It was obviously a tough time. The team were awesome around supporting us and always giving us the option to head home if that’s what we needed to do. It’s awesome to have dad over here.”

With New Zealand hunting a third successive World Cup title, England are the latest obstacle standing in the way after Eddie Jones’ side picked off Australia in a quarter-final in Oita.

Steve Hansen's made a change to the @AllBlacks – to counter the big English pack, perhaps? https://t.co/h3ECNWsPA5 #RWC2019 #ENGvNZL #AllBlacks

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 24, 2019

It was a style of victory that didn’t take Barrett by surprise. “I wasn’t surprised by how expansive England played and can play. 

“For a number of years now, they have had really good skilful backs and forwards who can play an expansive game, but also a physical game if required. So, no, I wasn’t surprised at all.”

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