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Jordie Barrett proves problematic as BOD picks ideal Leinster backline

By Josh Raisey
Anton Lienert-Brown shakes hands with Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks during the International Test Match between New Zealand All Blacks and England at Eden Park on July 13, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The arrival of Jordie Barrett to Leinster at the end of the year is a “nice headache to have” for coaches Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber, according to Brian O’Driscoll, but the former Ireland captain confesses he has no idea where the All Black will play.

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The 65-cap New Zealand star, who is currently out of action with a knee injury, is due to arrive in Dublin in December ahead of a six-month stint with the four-time European champions.

While any team in the world would gladly welcome someone with Barrett’s class, O’Driscoll is at a loss trying to work out how the 27-year-old will fit into Leinster’s star-studded backline.

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As far as the Leinster and Ireland legend is concerned, there is only one vacancy in the Leinster line-up where Barrett could fit in which is on the wing. Though a versatile player, capable of playing at full-back and in the midfield, the Kiwi has seldom played on the wing

O’Driscoll joined the Off the Ball podcast recently to discuss this awkward position that Leinster may find themselves in come the end of the year.

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“Right now, on the basis of what we saw in the summer, you’ve got to look at [Ciarán] Frawley right now, you’ve got to look at [Robbie] Henshaw and [Garry] Ringrose, you’re looking at James Lowe and Hugo Keenan,” Ireland’s most-capped player said.

“So, for me, it’s only one position that’s glaringly obvious, or available, and Jimmy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, this guy Jordie Barrett, don’t know where he’s going to fit in.

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“I have no idea [where Jordie Barrett plays], I genuinely have no idea. You can’t play him on the wing, can you? I don’t know. A nice headache to have.”

The Leinster coaching staff still have a couple of months to work out a solution to this problem before Barrett arrives. It may still be a while before their strongest team is fielded anyway with plenty of their Ireland internationals being given a rest for the opening two rounds of the United Rugby Championship this season.

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1 Comment
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by George! 55 mins ago

He's a humble lad. I bet he'll help out with the water and oranges until they think he's ready.

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johnz 3 hours ago
Common theme emerges as All Blacks laud Sam Cane ahead of 100th cap

Congratulations Sam, you've been a fine servant to the jersey, I'm sure you've given your all. Coming back from a broken neck certainly showed a lot of ticker.


I have to be honest though, I can't help but wonder if 100 caps is not Cane's finest achievement? A quick look through his bio, and I can't help but notice there's a real lack of major triumphs.


Yes, he has a WC gold medal, but that was when he was very much an understudy to the great McCaw. Yes there are two super rugby titles, but they were way back in 2012/13 when he was not even captain.


Im struggling to find any great achievements as captain or as an All Black that suggest he's truly a great. Perhaps someone can point out something I've missed?


His leadership qualities are always praised, but why is his medal cabinet lacking golds?


I can't help but think Cane was just a very solid player who was treated as a great due to being the heir to McCaw. A fine servant, who was good but just not great.


For me, his games that always stick in the memory were always revenge missions, which sadly followed famous lows.


I don't remember too many match changing moments when it really counted, while players like McCaw, Savea and Pieter-Steph du Toit a seem to be able to lift themselves in the most important games.


But credit where it's due, 100 caps is a great a achievement, but I'm not sure that automatically qualifies you as a great unless our standards have dropped. Like his many silver and bronze medals, he was close to great but not quite.

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