1
Watch: Highlights of Jordie Barretts first test start
It’s pretty impressive to get your first test start for the All Blacks at the tender age of twenty, but what’s even more impressive is when you manage to assist a try and then score one yourself; all within the red hot atmosphere of playing the British and Irish Lions in Eden Park.
ADVERTISEMENT
Best part of the game so far is Jordie Barrett casually slotting a 40m AFL goal on half time! #NZLvBIL pic.twitter.com/SklUNAJU14
— Brendon Trass (@brendontrass) July 8, 2017
As first starts go, it’s right up there but undoubtedly Jordie Barrett will have mixed emotions following yesterdays game. On an individual level it was a fantastic achievement, while as a collective the All Blacks failed to beat the British and Irish Lions for the first time since 1971.
Perhaps his tally could have possibly been higher had he taken over the kicking duties from his older brother Beauden, who probably won’t have mixed emotions in relation to the tour, having been off form with the boot in both the second and third test.
Whether it cost the All Blacks the series is a matter of speculation, but with a drawn series every missed opportunity will be scrutinised. However Steve Hansen was quick to jump to his tens defense, citing his kicking percentages, “when you look at the stats going into the Test match, Farrell was 71 and Beaudy was 81. Stats mean nothing, it’s on the day that you’ve got to kick the goals.”
