Barrett ready to lead All Blacks against Stormers, says Rennie

Beauden Barrett will return to the All Blacks line-up against the Stormers on Friday night after missing the entire Nations Championship campaign, with head coach Dave Rennie confident the veteran playmaker is fully prepared for the challenge.

Rennie said Barrett has used his time away from the matchday squad productively and has been training at a level that should allow him to make an immediate impact on tour.

“He’s been training out of his skin and ready to go,” Rennie said.

Barrett is among the most experienced members of the touring All Blacks group. Rennie believes that experience will be particularly valuable against a Stormers side eager to make a strong impression.

The coach said Barrett’s role would not be to force the game or attempt to take control of every aspect himself. Instead, he expects the 140-plus-cap international to provide direction and help those around him execute the team’s plans.

“He’s smart. He’s played 140-odd games for this country. He won’t try and overplay his hand. His job is to help implement and organise people around him,” Rennie noted.

Barrett has remained closely connected to the All Blacks’ tactical preparations despite not featuring in the Nations Championship campaign. Rennie said the fly-half has continued training in New Zealand and has kept up with the team’s approach throughout his absence from competitive action.

“He’s been training right throughout the time back in New Zealand when he wasn’t playing. He’s all over it and we just want him to get out and drive the ship for us.”

The return of Barrett gives Rennie a key source of composure and leadership for the opening match against the Stormers. Several players in the touring squad have limited experience of playing rugby in South Africa, while others have not played there at all.

That lack of familiarity places added importance on Barrett’s ability to organise the side and help guide less experienced team-mates through the demands of the contest. Rennie is therefore looking to the veteran to provide calm decision-making as the All Blacks begin their campaign on tour.

Although Barrett has been absent from the matchday group during the Nations Championship, the coach’s assessment is that he has done everything necessary to be ready for his return. His continued involvement in training and understanding of the game plan mean the All Blacks expect him to step straight into a leadership role against the Stormers.

The Friday night fixture will offer Barrett the chance to turn that preparation into a performance, while Rennie will hope his experience can help the All Blacks cope with a highly motivated opponent and a squad containing players still adapting to rugby in South Africa.