Israel Dagg is sticking by Beauden Barrett, even as the veteran flyhalf struggles to find his rhythm with the Blues. But the bigger story might be what happens if Barrett doesn’t make the cut for the All Blacks this July.
According to Scotty Stevenson, co-host of Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show, Barrett has what amounts to an escape clause in his Blues contract. If Dave Rennie leaves the 35-year-old off the July Test squad, Barrett can walk from his deal with the Auckland-based Super Rugby side. That puts Rennie in a tough spot.
Damian McKenzie has been electric for the Chiefs. Ruben Love looks like the real deal with the Hurricanes. Both are basically locks for the All Blacks. Beyond them, there’s no clear third option at flyhalf. Barrett’s history alone might get him in, but his current form is a real conversation.
Stevenson didn’t sugarcoat it. ‘The big question hung over Beauden Barrett. I just don’t know where he’s at at the moment,’ he said. ‘I think he’s been in a team that has not suited him. I think he is battling to be picked here. He’s on a big contract and it’s problematic for the Blues because if he is not selected in this All Blacks side, he’s got an out-clause.’
Stevenson pushed harder. ‘He’s battling to give me compelling evidence. I know he’s got a lot of history in that jersey, but you tell me there’s been any compelling evidence over the last two months that he’s deserving of All Blacks selection.’
Dagg sees it differently. The former All Blacks fullback argues you can’t judge Barrett purely on Blues performances this season, because that entire team has been inconsistent. ‘There is nothing compelling with the entire Blues outfit right now,’ Dagg said. ‘When you’re looking outside, you’re like, who wants it? Who’s stepping up? Put him in a team with good players and a forward pack that has genuine go-forward, then I think he can rediscover that form.’
Dagg knows what it’s like to struggle in Super Rugby and turn it around in the black jersey. ‘I’ve played horrible Super Rugby. I was shocking. But get that black jersey, it’s different. Give him that black jersey, it is different.’
On current form, Dagg admits Barrett isn’t playing at his usual level. But he’s convinced the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year can find something in himself when the All Blacks call. And at this point, Rennie has to decide if he wants to find out or move on.
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