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Steve Hansen backs 'cool, calm, collected' rookie Jordie Barrett against British & Irish Lions
All Blacks make three changes for deciding test on Saturday in Auckland with Ngani Laumape and Julian Savea set to start against tourists
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New Zealand coach Steve Hansen said “cool, calm, collected” Jordie Barrett could handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the decisive British & Irish Lions test after gambling on rookies on Thursday.
Injuries and Sonny Bill Williams’ suspension have forced Hansen to chance his arm with his line-up for Saturday, giving first test starts to fullback Barrett and inside centre Ngani Laumape.
The pair came off the bench for their only other test appearances, and have played just 70 minutes of international rugby between them.
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But Hansen, after naming his side on Thursday, described Barrett and Laumape as faces of the future for the All Blacks.
Jordie Barrett, the younger brother of fly half Beauden, was a “cool, calm collected kid and we wouldn’t have put him there if we didn’t think he was up to it. He wouldn’t be put in the position if we didn’t trust him,” Hansen said.
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