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Beauden Barrett unfazed by first-five, fullback dilemma heading into RWC opener

September 16, 2019

Ian Foster hailed Barrett's role in the All Blacks' dual-playmaker system, despite two poor results.

Beauden Barrett has no preference to what jersey he'll wear when the All Blacks begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against the Springboks in Yokohama this weekend.

Having been utilised as both a first-five and a fullback so far this year, Barrett's position is seemingly reliant on whether the All Blacks wish to persist with their 'dual-playmaker' system heading in to their opening pool match.

The All Blacks' star faces the possibility of either steering the ship on his own as first-five in the number 10 jersey or relinquish that role to Richie Mo'unga and instead slotting into the number 15 role at fullback.

Speaking to media, Barrett was naturally questioned about his preferred role, with his last All Blacks appearance coming at first-five, resulting in a 92-7 victory over Tonga in Hamilton.

Barrett, though, insists that he'll slot in to whatever role he'll be asked to do.

"Both I really enjoy, I'm really happy to play either," Barrett said.

"Both require very similar skill sets.

"If I'm at fullback I have to learn how I can influence the game differently to how I would at first-five eighth."

With South Africa boasting a traditionally strong kicking game, Barrett is expecting to face an aerial bombardment from the Springboks, regardless of what number is on his back.

"That's part of my preparation, is catching high balls.

"No more or no less than any other week, we prepare accordingly.

"I'm sure we'll get a few more of those high balls next week [Saturday]."

The All Blacks' side to face the Springboks will be named on Thursday this week.

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