The All Blacks’ standoff, Beauden Barrett, is eagerly anticipating his third face-off with fellow playmaker Finn Russell as New Zealand strives to uphold its 120-year undefeated streak against Scotland at Murrayfield this Saturday.
Barrett has emerged victorious in their two prior encounters in Edinburgh, both closely contested matches that the All Blacks clinched 22-17 in 2017 and 31-23 in 2022, despite Russell’s inspiring performances in both.
“I truly admire Finn, always have,” Barrett expressed. “I simply adore his free-spirited style of play, as if he has no worries, and I believe that’s why we witness his brilliance.
“It’s as if he has nothing to lose and simply plays with complete abandon and freedom. That often resonates with me, as that’s how I perform my best – with that expectation or feeling of freedom, and he certainly embodies that.”
Barrett, set to earn his 143rd cap this Saturday, has been instrumental in New Zealand’s sustained dominance over Scotland, now spanning 32 meetings since 1905.
Scotland
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The standoff executed a crucial tackle on former Stuart Hogg in the closing moments of the 2017 clash, preventing the Scotland fullback from potentially scoring a match-tying try in the left corner.
“Ah yes, the tackle…” Barrett chuckled when prompted about his late intervention. “I honestly thought Stuart was going to make it, knowing his capabilities. He broke through the line, but thankfully ran out of space and time, and we narrowly avoided disaster.
“But they were up for it. They’ve displayed strong confidence ever since, and their ball usage and attacking style is enjoyable to watch. They clearly believe in themselves, so we’re well aware and preparing accordingly.”
Head coach Scott Robertson has known Russell since the fly-half spent time in New Zealand as part of an educational opportunity and has been impressed by the maturity in his game recently.
“I met Finn back in the Christchurch days when he came down and went to Lincoln University and he was brilliant on and off the field – he still is,” Robertson said.
“He can play, you could always tell. He would just throw that ball around, he is so instinctive. I’m so impressed with his longevity in the game. He’s probably improved with age and maturity. He just plays the game with so much freedom and his tactical kicking is pretty special as well. He’s got a great all-round game.”
Russell and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu provide a twin focal point of attack for opponents Robertson believes are unlike any other home nations opposition the All Blacks will face on their ‘Grand Slam’ tour, having beaten Ireland in Chicago last week before tackling England and Wales over the next fortnight.
“I think the Scottish have got their own clear DNA,” he said. “We know they’re going to attack and counter-attack and when they’re going to kick. They’re highly organised and clear – they’ve been like that for a number of years now. We expect the best of them on the weekend. They’ll rise to the occasion and we’re looking forward to it.
“They look to challenge you. They’ve got a lot of options in their attack and they all know their roles really clearly. They’re a freak in that regard with ball in hand, for sure.”
In the absence of the injured Jordie Barrett, Robertson has retained the centre pairing of Quinn Tupaea and Leicester Fainga’anuku, who impressed together for nearly an hour in Chicago after Fainga’anuku took over from Barrett.
Fainga’anuku will start a Test at 13 for the first time on his 10th cap, with his seven previous starts coming on the wing. But having played 23 games there for Toulon last season, the 26-year-old is hardly new to the position.
“They got to play a lot of footy together on the weekend, which was great. With the injuries, it gave guys a chance to get out their early and play together for a period of time. They’ve trained together there. The midfield is tough, a competitive position. It’s hard to make calls. They’re pleased they’ve got the opportunity and they’ll take it again.”
With Josh Lord, who also impressed in Chicago after replacing skipper Scott Barrett early on, also retaining his place in the starting XV, the only enforced change sees Wallace Sititi – a try-scorer off the bench against Ireland – come into the side at blindside flanker, taking over from Simon Parker.
It gives New Zealand a seriously mobile and versatile back row, with Sititi alongside captain Ardie Savea and Peter Lakai starting his third straight Test at No.8, and Du’Plessis Kirifi poised to add further dynamism off the bench.
“They can all play all positions [in the back row],” Robertson noted, before adding the caveat: “Probably not Wallace at seven, but he can play six and eight, Peter [Lakai] can play all three and we just felt the combination of those three was right for this week.
“You don’t get too far ahead in the Test arena. You play in series and you look at options, and after their performances last week we believed it was a good opportunity.”
Robertson also confirmed that captain Scott Barrett is on track to return from his lacerated knee in time to face England at Twickenham next Saturday.
“That’s the plan. We’ll push him for next week. It’s heading well at the moment and it’s a day-by-day thing.”
