‘He Is The Future’: Barrett Endorses Stormers Prodigy Ahead Of Epic Cape Town Return
Veteran All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett says he is eager to make his long-awaited return from injury, with Friday night’s clash against the DHL Stormers providing the perfect opportunity to get back on the field against quality opposition.
Having missed the inaugural Nations Championship through injury, Barrett admitted the enforced break was disappointing but ultimately gave him the chance to recharge while continuing to develop his game.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Barrett said.
“It’s been a good chance to work on my game and, at the same time, freshen up a little bit. I’m excited to get out there on Friday night against a quality team.”
The 144-Test veteran, who won the World Player of the Year twice, explained that the All Blacks have spent the past few weeks refining the style of rugby they want to play under their new coaching group, with speed and execution becoming key areas of focus.
“As a team, we’ve been working together on several things,” Barrett said.
“What has been evident is the speed and skill set required to play the game we want to play. That’s been really positive for us.”
The experienced flyhalf also reflected fondly on his previous visits to Cape Town, describing Newlands as one of his favourite venues in world rugby.
“I can recall playing at Newlands. It’s in my top three stadiums, playing against Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers and other great names while I was with the Hurricanes. It’s just great to be back in Cape Town,” he said.
Barrett acknowledged that the Stormers will provide a stern examination after another impressive United Rugby Championship campaign.
“They had a pretty successful season, making the semi-finals of the URC, and we are very aware of the threat they pose,” Barrett said.
Barrett believes the battle up front will ultimately determine the outcome, with forward dominance providing the platform for both teams’ dangerous backlines.
“Parity up front and dominance are important. It’s going to be a physical game, with the set piece being very important. It certainly makes our jobs easier when our boys are moving forward.”
One of the most intriguing match-ups will see Barrett come up against highly rated Stormers youngster Yaqeen Ahmed, who has been handed the No. 10 jersey after impressing throughout his rapid rise.
Although admitting he had not analysed Ahmed’s game in detail, Barrett praised both the young flyhalf and fellow Stormers playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, highlighting the bright future of South African rugby.
“With him and Sacha, the Stormers are in pretty good hands going forward. The success of the Boks Under-20s has been superb.”
Barrett was also touched to learn that Ahmed has long regarded him as one of his rugby heroes, saying inspiring the next generation has always been part of what it means to wear the famous black jersey.
“I feel honoured that he looked up to me,” Barrett said.
“As All Blacks, we always strive to do our best to inspire kids around the globe, not just in New Zealand.
“It’s pretty cool that we have a chance to go head-to-head. I’ll make sure to chat to him afterwards because he is certainly the future.”
With Barrett returning to the starting XV and one of South Africa’s brightest young talents preparing for one of the biggest matches of his career, Friday night’s showdown promises to showcase both the experience of an All Blacks great and the emergence of a potential future star.
