2016, the year of Beauden Barrett

When All Blacks flyhalf, Dan Carter, called time to his illustrious international career at the end of the 2015 rugby world cup there were doubters whether 24-year-old (then), Beauden Barrett, was the right candidate to fill Carter’s big shoes.

There were also discussion circulating on the media on who was better to take over from Carter between Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden, it wasn’t long before Barrett’s impressive form made him the front-liner for the kicking reigns in the All Blacks. Before we knew it he had cemented his place as the usual suspect in the 10 jersey rather than number 22.

Barrett, a man who had lived under Carter’s shadows knew he had finally got his opportunity to steal the limelight in the black All Blacks kit.

Apart from the Springboks decline of form, All Blacks’ dominance, England’s progression under Eddie Jones, the year 2016 wouldn’t be wrapped up without mentioning the name of Beauden Barrett.

The Hurricanes flyhalf was unstoppable throughout the season for both club and country. He scored a total of nine tries for the highlanders in the 2016 Super Rugby competition, and consequently led the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title in the 20-3 win over Emirates Lions in which he scored 15 points.

Despite being described as a bad kicker at times, Barrett’s bursting runs with the ball in hand has made him an extra special talent. His impressive displays throughout the year were enough to crown him with the World Player of the year award, All Blacks Player of the year award and Super rugby player of the year award.

Barrett, the only man to score tries in the finals of a Rugby World Cup and Junior World Championship was also awarded with the Tremain Memorial Trophy (succeeding Ma’a Nonu in 2015) for his quality work with the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

To seal it off, he extended his contract with the Hurricanes with a further three year, and will run until 2019.

There is no doubt that more of the same performances from Barrett in 2017 would move him closer and closer to being the greatest flyhalf New Zealand ever had. It would be unfair to compare Barrett with Carter. Barrett has always relied on pace to make his decisions, while Carter’s kicking game is unmatchable.

At the age of 23, in 2014, Barrett had already reached 50 caps for the All Blacks, and now, has every chance of writing a name for himself in the All Blacks kit.

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