- The 30-year-old lock was the first All Black to be sent off twice in Test rugby
- Barrett has been entrusted by Robertson to be the figureheard of the new era
- Five uncapped players have been included in a 32-man squad to face England
Scott Barrett has been entrusted with the New Zealand captaincy despite the disciplinary issues which led to the lock to become the first All Black to be sent off twice in Test rugby.
The 30-year-old has been chosen ahead of Ardie Savea – the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year – to be on the on-field figurehead for the new era under Scott Robertson.
The head coach, who took over from Ian Foster after the World Cup last autumn, has turned to a man who he knows well from his successful, title-winning era in charge of the Christchurch-based Crusaders.
One of three Barrett brothers in the All Blacks squad, Scott will become the 81st captain of New Zealand and he said: ‘It’s quite humbling, so it’s not something I took lightly. It’s a big responsibility.’
Explaining his decision, Robertson added: ‘Having that existing connection to Scott was important. He’s tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he’s got the respect of the players and coaches.’
Scott Barrett has been chosen ahead of Ardie Savea to become New Zealand’s new captain
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson confirmed Barrett’s appointment at their squad announcement
Robertson, right, knows Barrett well from his title-winning era in charge of the Christchurch-based Crusaders
Barrett has been named as captain despite being the first New Zealand player to be sent off twice in Test rugby – pictured received a yellow card which was later upgraded to a red
The decision to install Scott Barrett as skipper is an indication that Robertson wants his All Blacks to have a hard edge up front, as well as their typical cutting edge out wide.
He has selected five uncapped players in a 32-man squad for the back-to-back Tests against England, followed by a clash with Fiji in San Diefo.
In the enforced absence of first-choice No 10, Richie Mo’unga – who has been playing in Japan and is not currently contracted to a New Zealand franchise in Super Rugby – Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are listed as the fly-halves, but the latter may continue to operate at full-back, while the third brother, Jordie, is sure to retain his now-familiar place at inside centre.
Emphasising the All Blacks’ current transition phase, as well as the newcomers, there are 10 players in the squad with just 20 Test caps or fewer.
England will sense an opportunity to target the lack of Kiwi experience in certain areas.
