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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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