Former All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow has declared his desire to take advantage of new eligibility rules and represent the Wallabies under his ex-coach Dave Rennie.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 32, was born in Melbourne but moved to New Zealand aged 13. He was a key player for the Chiefs and went on to play 29 times for the All Blacks from 2012 to 2017 and was a squad member of the 2015 World Cup winning team.
World Rugby’s eligibility laws were changed this year to allow players to make an international switch after three years out of their national teams – if they were born in another country or have a parent or grandparent born in that country.
Australia allows three overseas players to join the Wallabies – but it’s not that simple. At the moment there is a 30 cap requirement, or that the player has given five years service to the Australian game.
Former Wallaby Israel Folau has been reincarnated as an international with Tonga.
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Rennie confirmed his interest in the halfback, saying a plan to cross the Tasman has been in the works for a number of months.
“I had a conversation with him [Kerr-Barlow] maybe four, five, six months ago,” Rennie said.
“He rang up just to say that if we ever got under any pressure, if there were injuries; obviously he’s born in Australia, he’s a former All Black, but the change of rules makes him eligible, and he’s a hell of a player.”
However, Rennie also maintained he would be sticking fat with his present crop of Wallabies, rather than rushing the 32-year old into the squad, owing to the team’s current halves depth.
“At the moment we’ll be loyal to the guys we’ve got,” he said.
“It’s probably our strongest position to be fair, we’ve got three excellent 9s here and Ryan Lonergan in behind that. But as we’ve seen this year things can change quickly, so we’ll certainly keep in contact with Tawera.
“It’s a hell of a resource in behind what we’ve already got.
“Unlike New Zealand, Australia has a rule allowing players who are overseas to still be eligible for selection. I am available to play for the Wallabies,” Kerr-Barlow, who plays alongside Will Skelton at La Rochelle, told Rugbyrama in France.
“I was born there. I have a lot of ties in this country and if the staff calls me I will go without hesitation. It would be a great opportunity but for the moment I am focused on La Rochelle.”
Rennie, who coached Kerr-Barlow at the Chiefs from 2012-17, leading them to two titles, doesn’t believe the Giteau Law will be much of a barrier to getting him in a gold jersey down the line.
I guess all of that sort of stuff is doable. I haven’t thought too hard about it,” Rennie said.
“But he’s great man. A hell of a player. You’ve got a guy who’s a former All Black putting his hand up.
“That’s the thing with unintended consequences. There’s potentially former Wallabies playing for Scotland, type scenario. It’s open for debate but once you open the floodgates, it’s available for everyone, I’d say.
It’s not the first time Kerr-Barlow has flagged his interest.
Earlier this year he told Rugby Pass that the law changes were “really positive”.
“You get players who play a handful of Tests for a country and that is their eligibility shot and they have still got a lot to offer world rugby.
“We all want world rugby to be strong, we want it to be a spectacle and some of the best players in the world, they move overseas, and they grow and they improve.
“I’d love to chuck on the Australian jersey as I spent the first part of life in Australia, my family is still there, and I’m very grateful for what they have done for my family.
“My mum played for Australia. It [opening up eligibility] is a positive thing. You will get people saying, ‘Oh you know you’re not loyal’ or ‘How can you play for one country and play for another?’
Tawera Kerr-Barlowperforms the Haka during The Rugby Championship Bledisloe Cup match between the Australian Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks in 2013. (Photo by Mark Nolan-Pool/Getty Images)
“But if you are born in a country or your parents are born there and you feel a certain way about the country and you have got roots already established, then why not? I am a pretty open individual in terms of those sorts of things and I just want rugby to be the big thing I know it can be because if you love rugby you want it to improve.”
Seven changes for Wallaroos
Wallaroos head coach Jay Tregonning has made seven changes to his starting XV from last weekend’s loss to New Zealand in Christchurch, with two players set to make their debuts in Adelaide on Saturday.
Brumbies centre Siokapesi Palu has been named to make her debut at inside centre while Bienne Terita, a member of the World Series Sevens champion Aussie Sevens squad, has been named to start on the wing.
In the forwards, Liz Patu returns to the match-day line-up at loosehead prop in place of Bree-Anna Cheatham, who was ruled out through injury, while Adiana Talakai and local Adelaide product Eva Karpani have been elevated from the reserves to the starting line-up.
Waratahs lock Atasi Lafai, who made her return from injury last weekend in Christchurch, will start in the second row alongside Michaela Leonard.
In the backrow, Grace Hamilton’s impressive training performances have seen her work her way back into the starting XV in a timely manner, with Grace Kemp ruled out due to a head knock sustained at training.
“We’ve made some changes this week off the back of last week’s result, as well as some minor injuries within the squad,” said Tregonning.
“We’re lucky to have built significant depth within the group over the last few months, and the players that have come into the starting line-up this week are deserving of their opportunity.
“We have two new players coming into the backline this week in Siokapesi and Bienne, and we believe they both have a lot to offer the team.
“We’ve had another solid week of training, off the back of an in-depth review following last weekend’s match, and the team are really looking forward to playing in Adelaide for the first time ever this weekend.
“This is a historic game, it’s not often we get to spread the word of Rugby to South Australia, so the team is hoping for a solid turnout from the locals at one of Australia’s most iconic sporting grounds on Saturday.”
The second O’Reilly Cup Test between the Wallaroos and Black Ferns kicks off at 12:15pm ACST, and will be broadcast live via Stan Sport. Tickets are available via wallaroos.rugby.
Wallaroos team
- Liz Patu – Queensland Reds
- Adiana Talakai – NSW Waratahs
- Eva Karpani – NSW Waratahs
- Atasi Lafai – NSW Waratahs
- Michaela Leonard – ACT Brumbies
- Emily Chancellor – NSW Waratahs
- Shannon Parry (c) – Queensland Reds
- Grace Hamilton – NSW Waratahs
- Iliseva Batibasaga – NSW Waratahs
- Arabella McKenzie – NSW Waratahs
- Ivania Wong – Queensland Reds
- Siokapesi Palu* – ACT Brumbies
- Georgina Friedrichs – NSW Waratahs
- Bienne Terita* – Aussie Sevens
- Pauline Piliae-Rasabale – NSW Waratahs
Reserves:
- Ashley Marsters – Melbourne Rebels
- Emily Robinson – NSW Waratahs
- Bridie O’Gorman – NSW Waratahs
- Kaitlan Leaney – NSW Waratahs
- Piper Duck – NSW Waratahs
- Layne Morgan – NSW Waratahs
- Trilleen Pomare – Western Force
- Lori Cramer – NSW Waratahs
Cheika makes three changes
Argentina coach Michael Cheika has made three changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks from the team that thrashed Australia 48-17 in their last outing.
Two of the changes and an overhaul of the bench were forced by Cheika’s decision to leave front-row forwards Francisco Gomez Kodela, Agustin Creevy and Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro as well as winger Juan Imhoff out of the squad for the New Zealand trip.
Although Argentina lead the Rugby Championship standings after the first two rounds, Cheika knows he must manage the game time of his more experienced players with half an eye on next year’s World Cup.
Joel Sclavi moves up from the bench to replace Gomez Kodela at tighthead prop and Lucio Cinti, nominally a centre, will start on the left wing in place of Imhoff, bringing a bit more bulk to the Pumas backline in Christchurch.
The third change was an enforced tweak to the midfield, Matias Orlando coming in at inside centre to partner Matias Moroni in place of Jeronimo de la Fuente, who pulled a hamstring in the act of scoring a try against the Wallabies.
On the bench, Santiago Socino will back up skipper Julian Montoya at hooker and props Mayco Vivas and Eduardo Bello have come in to cover the other spots in the front row.
Lock Guido Petti replaces Facundo Isa, Santiago Grondona has been selected to back up the loose forwards instead of Rodrigo Bruni, and winger Santiago Cordero covers the outside backs.
Cheika was an advisor to the team when the Pumas earned their first win over New Zealand in Sydney two years ago and said he would like nothing better than to lead Argentina to their maiden victory over the All Blacks in their own backyard.
Having been on the losing side more often than not against New Zealand when he was Australia coach, including in the 2015 World Cup final, Cheika knows that will be easier said than done.
“Realistically everyone is expecting them to dust us in the two games at home,” he told New Zealand’s Sky TV this week.
“The only people who have got to think the opposite is us and we’ve got try and win small battles along the way. We’ve got to try and work out how can we put them under pressure and make them have to deal with the challenge from us …”
Team: 15-Juan Cruz Mallia, 14-Emiliano Boffelli, 13-Matias Moroni, 12-Matias Orlando, 11-Lucio Cinti, 10-Santiago Carreras, 9-Gonzalo Bertranou, 8-Pablo Matera, 7-Marcos Kremer, 6-Juan Martin Gonzalez, 5-Tomas Lavanini, 4-Matias Alemanno, 3-Joel Sclavi, 2-Julian Montoya (captain), 1-Thomas Gallo
Replacements: 16-Santiago Socino, 17-Mayco Vivas, 18-Eduardo Bello, 19-Guido Petti, 20-Santiago Grondona, 21-Tomas Cubeli, 22-Tomas Albornoz, 23-Santiago Cordero.
Boks flyhalf looking to make amends
Springboks back up flyhalf Elton Jantjies is determined to turn his season around against the Wallabies this weekend.
The 32-year-old was savaged for his performance earlier this season against Wales after a tough campaign in Japan hindered by injury.
He started the Boks’ first Test against Wales but was dragged at half time after a poor display with his kicking and in open play.
Jantjies was left out for the two Tests against the All Blacks but has been restored to the 23 for Adelaide.
“I played 40 minutes against Wales, which was quite nice after an injury,” Jantjies said.
“Since then I’ve been working really hard for the last three weeks to make sure I’m ready for this weekend.”
The last time Jantjies played in Australia he produced a match-winning performance against the All Blacks.
The 32-year-old came from the bench and kicked a penalty, slotted a drop goal and created a try in a 31-29 triumph at the Gold Coast.
“It’s not about the individual. As a group last year, we had a certain moment and everybody was switched on.
“The guys who played off the bench and the starting guys were on the same page, so it’s up to the individual to take that opportunity when it’s on.”
Jantjies said Australia had quality players who could cause the Boks problems.
“We haven’t beaten them in Australia in years, so this is an opportunity for us to grow as a team this weekend,” Jantjies said.
“Hopefully whatever we planned will come off this weekend.”
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
I've seen the Black Ferns and Kiwi Ferns, you kiwi blokes are over here cuz you're sh!tscared of the women back home
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
I'd say it's a nudge message for any halfback in Wallabies contention who is still struggling to pass fast and with accuracy out of both hands, including their "off" hand. That's been a work-on for a couple of seasons now, and is coming good.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Oh the predictive text! I meant ….” ‘would’ probably come up with some alarming results.”
Double Agent
Guest
Nurse !! :shocked:
ozziedude
Roar Rookie
maybe if this happened sooner as he's a tad over the hill and he wouldn't make the top 3 now. would be a bad look in any case as he's not even signed to a super team.
Jokerman
Roar Guru
I can relate to TKB. Firstly though one has to wonder what his mental state is in and a medical cognitive test wouldn’t probably come up with some alarming results. I had a small opportunity to represent Australia but I turned it down. I think it was around 2018 and Australian cricket team were short on players. I lived in Sydney for a year once you see. Anyway I wasn’t keen on the all white costume albeit better than yellow. Test cricket also doesn’t allow the one bounce one hand catch rule. Anyway Australia picked their physio instead. Bad decision as he dropped a catch in the outfield. I wouldn’t have let you down like that. I have very safe hands. I probably would have caught it with just the one hand as I’m so used to the one bounce one hand rule.
James in NZ
Roar Rookie
Me too mate, I took the 80's for granted at the time. Little did I know.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
yep - gone are the days of mullets, wife beaters & shorts with some plumbers crack down the local boozer, now they're all bl00dy cafe's for the coffee set, wine bars and the blokes have shaved sides, mop on top & long beards(( Ah how I miss the 80's
James in NZ
Roar Rookie
That was back in the beer drinking days, last time I was in Oz there seemed to be wine bars everywhere. I came back to NZ to raise my kids in a more backwards environment, it sort of worked. Although you can't escape mobile phs and social media I found.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Oz has more animals and insects that can kill you in the quickest, or slowest and most painful way possible – hope you enjoy your stay)) as for the bank robber – karma’s a b!tch eh, pity that type of “justice” doesn’t happen to more of em
James in NZ
Roar Rookie
Shudder. I was in a phone both (dating myself) with one with the door shut and I remember as I shifted its 8 eyes were following me. I was surprised to learn that Oz is more deadly than Africa and South America combined when it comes to things that can kill you. I also remember being an 80's kid in NSW and hearing in the media about a bank robbery where one of the bank robbers was grabbed by a croc as he was fleeing across a river. Then thinking, where the heck am I? My dad talked about one of his favorite cowboy type bars in Darwin where they'd have all sorts of critters in the bar (literally on the bar), parrots, snakes and the odd croc until the health dept shut it down. That's a few year back now.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
huntsman's are only deadly in summer when you flip down the sun visor in your car & they fall in your lap & run up the leg of your shorts
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Maybe, although, if they were strategic cap, they’d only get the one cap and not get featured again, so would hardly leave an impression on us as fans. End of the day, this new rule does fix the ‘one-and-done’ career ending capping that might have hurt particularly the island nations. Can’t wait for some more footy this weekend now though :stoked:
Double Agent
Guest
You're right of course. The fact TN is the only example I can think of is proof. Also it's not 100% fact that that's the reason TN was selected so maybe there's no examples? :laughing:
Bluesfan
If he was playing in NZ - would be in the AB squad, probably behind Smith on the bench. He and Smith at the 15 WC were a great one two punch.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Only know what's in the public domain. I honestly don't know the player that well and if he would be an upgrade on what we have but he has great experience.
Bluesfan
Do you think he would have become vocal with his announcement if his ex coach had not given him the nod? Well be very interesting to see what the Nth Tour squad looks like - Nick White and TKB off the bench are a very very good pairing.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Fair enough. I think his selection into squads multiple times and getting 2 caps suggests more that he was selected on merit but Cheika had better options on game day. He had Folau and Kuridrani from memory? The issue with strategic calling is that it requires you to fear a player so much that you want to exclude him from another team, but also not rate him high enough to warrant an actual place in your team? If a player isn’t good enough to be in your team on merit, why be that afraid of them that you cap them just to stop them playing some where else? It actually doesn’t make sense. To me at least.
James in NZ
Roar Rookie
Huntsmen I was told aren't deadly, but still freaked me out though (could give them a haircut...f that). So I slinked back to G-rated Australia.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah, yours aren’t deadly!