“Probably nervous, also excited and certainly some anticipation around understanding the coaches as people before coaches and then trying to work out which way they want to coach.
Dave Rennie (centre) wants a more ambitious game plan alongside senior assistant Neil Barnes (right) and selector Sir Graham Henry (left). Photo / Photosport
“So certainly a few nerves around, but a great deal of excitement. We know what’s on the horizon: Nations Cup, South African tour, Northern tour and a World Cup as well. It’s where you want to be as an All Black, and we can’t wait.”
Rennie has been open about wanting to run a more open game plan, with predecessor Scott Robertson criticised for being one-dimensional.
Barrett explained players are getting encouraged to use their intuition.
“Being a bit more ambitious with the ball and some of the measurables around effort and bigger stats, and getting off the ground and working hard for each other.
“Being more alive to the options we can have with the ball, and maybe not being as conservative as we have been in the past. We’ll get tested this weekend, and we’ll have to grow that throughout the year. But been probably a little bit more positive.”
Barrett is impressed with what attack coach Blair has brought to the All Blacks.
“Certainly some different ideas. It’s just a nice positive fresh approach, and I’ve enjoyed what he’s done in a few days in here.”
The up-tempo style is familiar to Barrett, whose Hurricanes set a Super Rugby record in scoring 114 tries this year.
“A lot of Super Rugby clubs probably use that model. I know we do at the Hurricanes. It’s something we pride ourselves on, being really ambitious with the ball and moving fast. It’s an exciting space we can access as a group.”
Ruben Love, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Jordie Barrett of the Hurricanes celebrate winning Super Rugby. Photo / Photosport
Barrett is widely tipped to combine with some of his Hurricanes teammates in the All Blacks backline, with Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo all in the squad.
However, the midfielder stressed Super Rugby combinations do not determine test selection.
“There are no fairytales in the All Blacks jersey. You’re not guaranteed something because you play next to someone at club rugby. The coaches will pick the best people they think can get a result for the All Blacks on Saturday, and players know that. Nothing’s ever promised.
“Certainly, familiarity can help. But it isn’t the be-all and end-all in this environment.”
Hot competition for Barrett in the No 12 jumper will come from Super Rugby player of the year, Chiefs second five Quinn Tupaea.
Barrett said Tupaea is an outstanding player.
“He was in unbelievable form throughout the year. A devastating ball carrier and a real good jackal threat over the ball. They’re probably his two biggest strengths, and it’s nice being on his team now.”
Anton Lienert-Brown is fighting for the centre position with Proctor after a season under Rennie at the Kobe Steelers in Japan.
“I love working with Billy Proctor; he’s one of the best 13s I’ve ever played with,” said Barrett. “Anton’s back from Japan, and he’s played 80 odd tests, world class every time he plays. So we’ve got a great group of four midfielders.”
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.