Where to play Jordie Barrett for the All Blacks against the Springboks?

Jordie Barrett is a certain selection for the All Blacks, but the million dollar question is whether he gives the New Zealanders the best value at fullback or in the midfield against the world champion Springboks?

Jordie Barrett

Barrett, who spent a season at Leinster last year and won the United Rugby Championship, captained the Hurricanes to a stunning play-offs surge into next Saturday’s final at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.

The Hurricanes, who finished Super Rugby Pacific as the top team, crushed the Brumbies 66-12 in the quarter-final and on Saturday were as emphatic is dismantling the Blues 57-19.

Barrett, starting at inside centre (No 12), scored a try and kicked three conversions after No 10 Ruben Love, who had done the goal kicking, was substituted midway through the second half.

Barrett has been inspirational playing in the midfield for the Hurricanes. He also played in the midfield for Leinster in last season’s URC final, won 32-7 against the Bulls.

The 29 year-old younger brother of All Blacks Beauden and Scott Barrett started the 2023 World Cup final for the All Blacks against the Springboks at fullback.

The All Blacks tour South Africa in August in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. It will be the first time in 30 years that the All Blacks are in South Africa as a touring group. They will play three Test matches and four matches against the South African URC quartet of the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers. The two great Test rivals will complete the tour with a fourth Test in Baltimore, USA.

The Kiwis running hot in 2026

Barrett has been at the forefront of the Hurricanes first Super Rugby final in 10 years.

“I’d like to think of myself as a No 12 who can probably play fullback. I think 12 is the most comfortable position for me.” – Jordie Barrett

The question for All Blacks coach Dave Rennie ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour is whether New Zealand are a better team with Barrett where he wants to play (12), or where they may most need him (15).

Jordie Barrett positional breakdown: All Blacks v Springboks

Jordie Barrett v Springboks

Against South Africa, Jordie Barrett has evolved from a fullback and goal-kicker into the All Blacks’ first-choice inside centre, with half of his 14 appearances against the Springboks coming at No 12.

Jordie Barrett Match-by-Match v Springboks

Jordie Barrett career starting positions

• Fullback : 91 times ( Fullback 46% )
• Centre : 94 times ( Inside Centre 44%, Outside Centre 4% )
• Winger : 11 times ( Right Wing 5%, Left Wing 1% )
• Flyhalf : 1 times ( Flyhalf 1% )

Jordie Barrett career statistics – all.rugby

Jordie Barrett Career Totals by Tournament