Super Rugby Pacific news | The Dan Carter comparison that bodes well for Beauden Barrett and his World Cup hopes
Former Wallaby Morgan Turinui believes Blues star Beauden Barrett shouldn’t be judged too severely on his Super Rugby Pacific form ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
For the longest time, Barrett was a bonafide first-pick for the All Blacks. However, he has been error-prone at times lately.
In round six, the Blues star looked to have a try sewn up, only to step out into touch while inside the in-goal area.
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At times, he has produced moments of brilliance. Just one week after his fumbled try he set up a ‘genius’ try for Mark Telea.
The likes of Richie Mo’unga and Damien McKenzie are looming threats to Barrett’s hold on the No.10 jersey.
Although he might not be the best of the available options right now, Turinui can see similarities between Barrett and the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning Dan Carter.
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“I still remember in 2015, watching Super Rugby and then the early Tests before the World Cup, and I said to myself ‘Dan Carter, he’s done. He’s not going to make it to the World Cup, he’s no good’,” Turinui said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“I’m saying don’t read to much into it (Barrett’s Super Rugby form). I was watching him going ‘This is not him’. Even his goal kicking, it’s not like him. We’re used to him kicking it and he slots the one from the sideline when it’s the hardest kick of the night.
“I remember sitting down, watching some games in 2015 thinking, ‘I’m not sure DC has still got it’. He did, he still had it, and he carried them through that semi in South Africa. They do not win that World Cup without that semi-final performance against South Africa.”
Although Turinui conceded Barrett is “not in great form”, he was encouraged by his round seven performance for the Blues against the Melbourne Rebels.
The Rebels led at half time, but the Blues dominated the second half to secure a 54-17 win.
“He’s getting older – you’ve got a family, you’ve got other things happening, you’ve got all the other peripheral noise that you’ve got in a World Cup year, in New Zealand,” said Turinui.
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“You’re always measured against Mo’unga. You’re starting to be measured against Damien McKenzie. Justin Harrison talked about perhaps he doesn’t get picked, maybe.
“I think 34 people will go to win the World Cup for the All Blacks, I dare say he’ll be getting a seat on the plane as well, for sure.
“What he showed me, and Drew (Mitchell) and I talked about it in commentary, was how great his vision is. His ability to look up, see the picture, and make decisions and the skillset to back it up. So many small, attacking, 50/50 kicks were very considered decisions.
“It was a great reminder to see in real-time with all the space we get to see in the commentary box, how fine a player and how excellent a player Beauden Barrett remains.”
Barrett and Mo’unga will not feature in round eight with the Blues and Crusaders having a bye. McKenzie will be in action for the Chiefs against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Moana Pasifika face the Reds in Apia, Samoa for the first time on Friday. That match will be followed by the Brumbies hosting the Fijian Drua in the capital.
The Waratahs and Force close out round eight in Sydney.
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