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Watch: Jordie Barrett goes after rookie Welsh wing after spectacular aerial grab
By Sam Smith
Debutant Welsh winger Rio Dyer’s night went quickly south moments after scoring a sensational set-piece try to get Wales on the board.
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Dyer cut through the All Blacks‘ midfield with some smart play design to score his first international try next to the posts.
However, 10 minutes later he was left out to dry when he was asked to cover 6 foot 5 midfielder Jordie Barrett in a one-on-one aerial contest.
🔥 Rio Dyer on fire!! 🔥
A debut try from the @dragonsrugby winger#WelshRugby | #ANS pic.twitter.com/cGS2SeHcI7
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 5, 2022
Playing under advantage, first five Richie Mo’unga landed a perfect cross-field kick for Barrett and Dyer to contest and it was the No 12 who towered over his opponent to take a spectacular grab.
Rio Dyer, on his debut, coming against 6’5” Jordie Barrett in the air.
There was only one way that contest was going to go.
— Scottie Pimpin’ (@certifiedthato) November 5, 2022
Barrett landed in the in-goal to score a key try to put the All Blacks up 22-10 just before the half-time break.
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As the All Blacks No 12 came up to celebrate with his team-mates, the Welsh debutant showed his frustration by shoving Barrett, much to his shock.
The confusing situation unfolded after All Black wing Sevu Reece rubbed the back of Dyer’s head while he was faced down. Unsighted, Dyer obviously thought it was Barrett rubbing it in after his catch.
Referee Wayne Barnes stepped in to prevent the situation becoming heated, while Sevu Reece trotted away with both players unaware of what had happened.
Barrett’s aerial catch left those on Twitter in awe, with users sure that no player could’ve competed with the former fullback during that leap.
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No one is out jumping Jordie Barrett! Easy peasy
— Adrian Slabbert (@adrian_slabbert) November 5, 2022
Nobody was beating that leap from Jordie Barrett. Kick from Richie Mo'unga was on the money as well #WALvNZL
— Ross Barnett (@rbarnett08) November 5, 2022
Three visits into our 22. Three tries. More indiscipline. Rio Dyer didn’t get anywhere near that. Jordie Barrett easily beats him. 22-10.
— Jonesy (@craigyjones1983) November 5, 2022
Jordi Barrett that is brilliant!
Pinpoint cross field kick from Mo’unga; but Barrett rises high and catches it over his head, and above Dyer. Superb
— Caolán (@CaolanSRugby00) November 5, 2022
Jordie Barrett is a fantastic 12,pretty good catch there but all game he's been on it #NZvWales
— Guillermo Reynolds (@WEFC_) November 5, 2022
Jordie Barrett is an absolute monster in the air, what a player
— ATOLANI (@AtolaniOyewumi) November 5, 2022
Bloody hell Jordie Barrett is 6.5. Superb height for a centre.
— Uresh Perera (UP) (@UreshP) November 5, 2022
Whoever suggested to play Jordie Barrett at 12 is a genius #WALvNZL
— Callum Williamson (@Sh3tl4nd) November 5, 2022
Think Jordie Barrett has confirmed that 12 is his position now. He’s really made that position his own. #WALvNZL #AutumnNationsSeries
— CatherineL (@CatherineL2288) November 5, 2022
The first time experiencing the Welsh anthem as a player, amazing for Rio Dyer 🔥 #WALvNZL pic.twitter.com/mgGqw1IxXr
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 5, 2022
Taine Basham is missed - he's highly rated over here by the Irish fans he was the absolute standout against us last time out
Jordie B has been a bit underrated for a while, but this was a case of a perfect kick more than his height advantage, HOWEVER a more wily FB such as Rob Kearney would have seen it coming far earlier and made their own runup into the jump - the rookie winger was a bit naive here - there were other very naive moments from the Welsh, ball watching and buying embarassing dummies - this is a low for them I'm afraid they are not the outfit of a few years ago - they let NZ intimidate and bully them sadly
He gor shit on by ardie and shit on by reiko poor in defense
Surprised there was no mention of Dyer grabbing J Barrett, on the shoulder/neck area, when he was still in the air. At least deserved a talking to by the referee.
Also, no need for Reece to rub the back of Dyer's head also. That rubbish starts fights.