Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks runs through drills during a New Zealand All Blacks Rugby World Cup Captain's Run at Tatsuminomori Seaside Park on September 20, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
There is not a country at the World Cup which has a more dangerous counter-attacker than Beauden Barrett and that
is why the All Blacks are playing him at fullback today specifically against South Africa, according to former Springbok centre and Stormers coach Robbie Fleck.
Some eyebrows have been raised by New Zealand’s decision to play Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf, with Barrett shifting to fullback and Ben Smith relegated to the bench, but Fleck says it is a response to the specific strengths of the Springboks.
“Barrett is an exceptional footballer when he’s on the front foot, when he has time and space he’s probably the most dangerous player in the world. But the way the Springboks have been playing, their defence is especially strong, so I think it’s a wise decision to have Mo’unga at flyhalf because he has shown he can handle the line-speed better and with his all-round kicking game he manages the game.
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But Fleck says utility back Francois Steyn has already done enough to suggest he will be a key player for the Springboks at the World Cup.
“You can’t leave Frans Steyn out, I believe he’s the key to our World Cup campaign and he’ll probably be in every team. He’s been to two World Cups before and has loads of experience. Plus he’s flexible in terms of positions, he can play 10, 12 or 15.”
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