The Curse Of Jordie Barrett.
Without a doubt, All Blacks No 12 Jordie Barrett was one of the best players on the field for the All Blacks versus the Springboks in the first test last Saturday at Ellis Park.
His work rate and defense was outstanding, and he was surely one of the ingredients that pushed New Zealand to victory.
All Black Head Coach Dave Rennie has a very clear remit from NZ Rugby. That is to do everything possible to make sure that the All Blacks win the World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Whilst this greatest rivalry tour to South Africa this season is a fantastic entree for all rugby fans, the lessons learned about the opposition as well as the data collected on the All Black playing group, will enable Dave Rennie and his team to go into 2027 with a clear strategy.
Rennie is currently rebuilding the All Blacks. He is just four test matches into that process.
This is a transition that has required a reset of mind, body and soul, from the previous coaching staff, and for many of the squad.
They are working out how depth, youth and experience can be moulded into a world beating squad.
Position by position Rennie is creating opportunities and challenging players to be better versions of themselves.
As we have seen in the All Blacks No 10 jersey we have seen the rise and rise of Ruben Love, on the wings NZ has now enough depth to supply two or three world class teams.
Yet at No 12 Jordie Barretts exceptional level of play has created a challenge for Rennie.
South Africa has riches galore in the No 12 jersey, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen and Damian Willemse. All match winners, game changers, all explosive in their own way.
To date Rennie hasn't chosen to develop younger New Zealand stock into the No 12 jersey, thus far relying on Barrett to deliver in every big game.
If Barrett was to be injured, what then?
Relying on someone like Anton Lienert Brown to full the gap doesn't demonstrate the same ambition to trial younger players, and to give them a chance to elevate the All Blacks game plan to another level.
Sometimes when we always rely on our best performers we are in fact creating a vulnerability that others can take advantage of.
In any sports team leveling up the quality of performance across the whole team requires risk, effort and courage.
The best teams demonstrate that the risk is in fact worth taking.
I will watch with much interest on how Dave Rennie proceeds in this area.
The tour continues...
#allblacks #springboks #greatestrivalrytour
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