Beauden Barrett’s much awaited debut for the Blues will be happening this weekend as Super Rugby resumes in New Zealand, but the All Blacks star will be starting at full back in his first game for the Auckland franchise, instead of 10, as some might have expected.
Barrett, who played most of the 2019 World Cup at 15, will be lining up against his former side the Hurricanes. It might have been Beauden vs Jordie, but for an injury to the latter that has ruled him out of this clash.
Otere Black starts at 10, and Barrett at 15 means that both Harry Plummer and Matt Duffie will be on the bench. No Dan Carter yet, but not even the most optimistic among us would have expected the veteran to start so early on his return to SR.
Solid back row for the Blues as well- a loose trio combination that pushes the highly rated Dalton Papalii to the bench.
