Beauden Barrett says 50 per cent possession will be enough for the All Blacks to retain the Bledisloe Cup, delivering an ominous one-word response when asked for his confidence levels for a bounce-back win over Wallabies in Auckland.
“Extremely.”
Not normally one for bravado, classy five-eighth turned fullback Barrett said New Zealand’s new backline formation was ready to unleash on Saturday and only needed some ball.
Richie Mo’unga took over as All Blacks five-eighth in the 16-16 draw with South Africa in Wellington and stayed there for last week’s 47-26 thrashing by Australia in Perth, with Barrett finding his feet at fullback on both occasions.
New Zealand’s early struggles up front and lack of possession in both Tests meant the pair couldn’t get traction.
It left critics questioning why Barrett had been shifted from the role of general.
Barrett was wearing the No.10 jersey last year when he scored a world-record four tries in the demolition of Wallabies at Eden Park. He has twice been named world player of the year at five-eighth.
However, he has no qualms with the shift, having seen glimpses of the potential of the new structure late in the past two Tests.
“I’ve got so much faith in what we’re doing and the desire we have to play for each other,” he said.
“I’ve had a few games now in the 15 jersey. It’s understanding how Richie and I can work well together and that understanding is growing by the minute, by the day.
“You don’t want to be too cluttered. If we get to the point on Saturday where we’re playing with free heads and we’re instinctive, that’s where we want to be.”
An All Blacks team, reduced to 14 men, still conjured two second-half tries in Perth, including a slick team sequence finished by Barrett.
He said that try offered promise they were on the right track, attack-wise.
“Obviously, doing that was a challenge with 14. If we can get more ball with 15 men in our structure, I’m excited about what we can do.”
Crusaders star Mo’unga agreed the pair had made progress as a combination and had been boosted further after “bouncing ideas” this week at training with former All Blacks great Dan Carter.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Well, it’s accurate. Only problem is it only lasts for 5 minutes at a time.
Kane
Roar Guru
How about this from Beale "we know we have the ability to actually go out there and tear any team apart."
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Consider the Walk Walked.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Still stand by this Terrence?
Mike88
Roar Rookie
Hey Ryan 47-26. From a 'sub standard' Australian team. It's like talking to a drunk. You call us substandard, then crow about about beating us on the waterslide. I'm agreeing with you. We arent great. Not even close - so that puts that record hammering we gave you in Perth in perspective. Substandard teams are killing you. You are in decline.
Mike88
Roar Rookie
It might be hard to admit, but you are not at the level you once were. The world cup is not being played at Eden Park. If we are not as good as everyone wanted to believe after Perth, you surely must also have to be realistic. England and the Springboks will be smelling blood. Your time is coming to an end.
rebel
Roar Guru
Lockyer had suspect defence and is one of the greats. You're clutching.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
BB hands down. Not even a real conversation about it.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
How did that work out for you?
Paulo
Roar Rookie
I said as long as they each knew their role. Whoever is/was at 10 runs the show. While RM is on the field, He’s in charge. When he went off, BB took over at 10. That’s how they will/how they did, solve that problem.
Ryan
Roar Rookie
Hey Mike - 36-0 :stoked:
One Eye
Roar Rookie
Exactly! Should have been 2 million times!
piru
Roar Rookie
I blame the dodgy fox IQ recorder
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
...the internet never forgets
ClarkeG
Roar Guru
I don't believe you :silly:
Gloria
Roar Rookie
It doesn’t. I love it. It increases interest way beyond purely cliche responses.
Gloria
Roar Rookie
Ok Foxy. Do you give the Wallabies any chance today? I think the odds being offered are pretty accurate.
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Or he just wouldn't mention him at all
terrence
Roar Rookie
don't really buy into such stats..rugby is a 15-man sport..you can have a good game and still lose..
Jacko
Guest
Piru just because you replayed the 1 tackle repeatedly doesnt mean beale is tackling great repeatedly