Share

Surprised Barrett ready to take his chance

Sydney - All Blacks pivot Beauden Barrett admits that he wasn't expecting to get a starting role in their Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup opener against Australia in Sydney.

After the side for the Test was announced on Thursday, Barrett said he was used to coming off the bench and had been happy in that role, but getting the start this week was something he was excited about.

"I always aspired to wear that number 10 jersey," he told allblacks.com.

"In the past it has been coming off the bench which I have been really happy to do and that was my role for the team so now it's an opportunity for me to play well and put my hand up.

"Saturday night can't come any quicker but I don't want to play the game too soon so I am staying relaxed at this stage."

Barrett's form during the latter stages of the Hurricanes' triumphant Super Rugby campaign almost demanded him getting the starting role and he said it had been great to finish a campaign with a key win in the competition final, but again it had been on the back of a team playing well.

"I'm always looking to grow my game, I still have a lot of growth to do," he added.

"The key thing is I'm just enjoying my footy at the moment."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE