By: Glenn McLean

All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett will make his much anticipated debut for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls after he was named at fullback for the side’s first Mitre 10 Cup match of 2020 against the Bay Of Plenty Steamers at Inglewood’s TET Stadium & Events Centre on Sunday.

The 23-year-old made his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2016 after leaving Francis Douglas Memorial College to study at Lincoln University.

Despite being signed by Taranaki Rugby for the past two seasons, Barrett, who helped the South beat the North in Wellington last Saturday, has yet to pull on the amber and black hoops, colours his father Kevin wore 167 times.

Barrett will make his first appearance for the Yarrows Taranaki  Bulls alongside older brother and two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden who returns to play for his home prvince for the first time since he wore the No 10 jersey against Otago in 2015.

The 84-test veteran will lead a backline that also features the return of impressive Chiefs utility back Sean Wainui who has been named at centre after missing the Bulls’ pre-season campaign.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls coach Willie Rickards has named one of the form players of the pre-season, New Zealand Sevens contracted Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, on the right wing, while former national sevens rep Lewis Ormond will start on the opposite flank.

The forward pack also features a number of quality players returning to provincial action, including new All Blacks squad member Tupou Vaa’i, who continues to fulfil his promise as one of the most exciting locks in the country.

He will pack down in the second row with Coastal’s Josh Lord while the loose forward trio includes the return of Chiefs stand-out Lachlan Boshier alongside captain Mitchell Brown and the experienced Mitchell Croswell.

New Zealand’s most experienced current first class player, prop Ben May, will also make his official debut for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls after his first hit-out against Waikato at Te Kuiti last Friday.

The bench has plenty of depth with the likes of Super Rugby players Bradley Slater, Reuben O’Neill, Tom Florence along with former New Zealand Maori rep Codey Rei.

“I’m really excited about the line-up we can put out for this first Mitre 10
Cup match,” Rickards said.

“It’s not every day or every match you can name two Barretts in your run-on side and we know how much quality they will bring. Their presence, along with a number of guys who have come in, has given the entire squad a real boost at a really exciting time for all of us.

“While the pre-season games have not resulted in wins, our coaching group are more than satisfied with the work everyone is putting in to start the season well against a tough looking Steamers side which will be equally as determined as we are to start the season well.”

Rickards added there was obvious disappointment that there will be a limited crowd (members and sponsors only) in attendance due to the Covid-19 restrictions, especially given the way the whole Inglewood community had embraced the opportunity to host the side.

However, they were continually motivated to perform given the volume of support they were receiving.

YARROWS TARANAKI BULLS: Jordie Barrett, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Sean Wainui, Teihorangi Walden, Lewis Ormond, Beauden Barrett, Lisati Milo-Harris, Mitchell Crosswell, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown ©,Tupou Vaa’i,  Josh Lord, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Jared Proffit. Reserves, Bradley Slater, Reuben O’Neill, Donald Brighouse, Tom Florence, Kaylum Boshier, Warwick Lahmert, Jayson Potroz, Codey Rei.

Article added: Thursday 10 September 2020