Former players in New Zealand are revelling in Jordie Barrett’s impact in the northern hemisphere and, as a result, believe that only one person can compare to him at centre.
The All Blacks star joined Leinster on a sabbatical in December and in that short period of time he has already shown his class.
Barrett has been outstanding in every match he has been involved in, but particularly received widespread praise for his performance in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final.
The midfield maestro shone in the 52-0 victory over Glasgow Warriors, showing off his vast array of skills as the Irish province moved into the last-four.
Barrett’s complete game
His efforts have been discussed back in New Zealand, leading to a wider debate of where he stands in the global game.
Former All Black James Parsons was asked on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod as to whether anyone has, or indeed had, the type of skill set Barrett possesses.
“If you were to compare the 12s, probably not,” Parsons said. “He’s got the ability to read attack, gets intercepts, has a really good knack of reading that rush defence.
“In that 12 position, the only person I can think of is Francois Steyn. He had the ability to kick long, he was a big body defensively, big carries, also had the finesse.
“Outside of that, I can’t really think of someone with that complete package in the midfield.”
Parsons was joined on the show by former Crusaders half-back Bryn Hall, who agreed with the ex-Blues hooker.
“We’ve touched on De Allende in terms of being one of the best midfielders in the world, but his skill set works for South Africa and what’s required of him,” Hall said.
“If we’re talking in terms of the full package, the run, pass, kick, defence – everything that’s involved in being a 12 – there’s no one better in the world than Jordie Barrett.”
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They also discussed whether Barrett could lay claim to having the most complete game in all the positions and only one other player came to mind.
“You can’t ignore, although he does it in a different way, Antoine Dupont. He does have as big an impact on the game. He may not kick goals but that guy probably could,” Parsons said.
“If you were to compare in terms of impact, absolutely Dupont. Outside of that it’s hard.”
Barrett underrated
Despite the recent praise, Parsons does not believe that Barrett gets the credit he deserves back home.
“I don’t know if he gets his dues. We had a message the other day that he wouldn’t walk back into the All Blacks, this has probably ended that,” he said.
“I think he’s very well respected by all players across the world and opposition fans.”
Supporters may take a different view when he returns for the All Blacks’ Test season, however, with Parsons predicting that Barrett will be a better player for his experience overseas.
“I was seriously impressed when he made the decision to do what he’s doing because you know he’s doing it to be the best player in the world, and I think we’re going to get something pretty close to it when he returns,” he added.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ex-all-black-claims-just-one-springboks-great-compares-to-complete-package-jordie-barrett-and-its-not-damian-de-allende
