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Why Beauden Barrett is starting at fullback for the All Blacks over Will Jordan
By Ben Smith
The All Blacks have been boosted by the return of Will Jordan but the form Crusaders’ fullback will start in the familiar No 14 jersey on the right wing a start at fullback remains elusive.
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Beauden Barrett has been named for the second week straight at fullback after starring in Mendoza with a try assist and a try in the 41-12 win.
Jordan has yet to start a game in the 15 jersey in his 21 Tests, making all his appearances of the wing, but head coach Ian Foster said the discussion is always had about handing Jordan a run at the back.
“Always do,” Foster told media of his consideration for Will Jordan at fullback.
“Will [Jordan] wasn’t with us last week and I was pleased with Beaudy last week. I enjoyed his control.
“Also because Will wasn’t with us this is a chance for him to come in and get a bit of a groove going on the wing.”
Foster said Jordan’s selection on the wing this week mainly came down to the short preparation window the team had after touching down in New Zealand on Monday from Argentina.
The All Blacks only had one field session on Thursday which Foster felt was not enough time for Jordan to prepare for playing No 15.
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However as the side looks to find an answer to their late game slumps, Foster hinted that Jordan would find time at fullback to finish the game.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at fullback,” he said.
“There is a chance for us to play around with our 23 and how we finish games.
“That’s also part of the picture we are looking at.”
Caleb Clarke has been named on the bench in the No 23 jersey along side centre wing option Braydon Ennor in the No 22.
Without a back-up first five option on the bench, a merry-go-round reshuffle that would see Clarke come onto the left wing, Telea moving across onto the right wing, Jordan moving to fullback and Beauden Barrett into first five is possible.
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After recovering from a knee problem Foster is excited to see Blues winger Mark Telea back in action as part of his new look back three.
“It’s very exciting,” Foster said.
“We’ve been able to put Mark [Telea] a little bit on ice with his knee injury, but he got through a full week of training last week.
“He’s ready to go. Will wasn’t with us so he’s missed out on a little bit.
“This week has been really light for us, our first training on grass has been today.
“So we’ve eased him a bit with quite a bit of work with him today and yesterday.
“They’ve got some really good combinations going at the back so I’m sure they are looking forward to it.”
It's pleasing to see Barrett at least still has it at the back. He's still making too many area's and has the same liabilities he does at 10 to persevere with him and hope to win the WC.
I hope they give Stevenson a chance, he as been so much better in the many aspects that set Barrett apart offensively, while also having less liabilities. He, like Jordan, has also been used just as well with ball in hand on the wing this year, but his tactical kicking sets him apart from any back three since Jordie moved to midfield.
While Dmac will cover from the bench, Beauden will still be a huge part of the team.
But let's be real, i'm not sure Foster will even make any of the more obvious required changes let alone swap a treasured servant for a rookie.
Anyone who has seen Jordan kick knows very well that he shouldn't be in consideration for the 15 jersey, doesn't know how or when to kick, also not a great cover tackler or one of the strongest catchers, he's a liability at 15, especially in test Rugby.
Keep him at 14, he'll tear it up there as he has been just like how Fullbacks like Ben Smith and Cory Jane did, if he develops some game awareness he can play 15 next year.
Makes perfect sense to me. Jordan has spent a long time away injured and had little rugby. Of course choose BB, one of our most experienced and solid performers in a this key role. Happy to see WJ on wing for this game.
I must have missed something in respect of Teleas form and ability .... but I bet SA won't have!
Foster has learnt nothing from the various disasters associated with playing players out of their positions which the last world cup semi-final ought have taught him once and for all. Some people never learn
He obviously didn't watch the same Super Rugby I did...I don't think Beauden is in the top 3 fullbacks or the the top 3 10s..
A back three of Jordan, Telea and Barrett is phenomenal. Three of of the most surreal attacking threats in world rugby.