The strengthened All Blacks from New Zealand want to get back to the World Cup final against Argentina with all their might – and are relying on a trio of brothers.
When Kevin Barrett was once asked what he wanted to do after his career ended, most people thought his answer was a bad joke. “I’m going to breed a few All Blacks,” said the gifted second-row striker, who was never allowed to wear the legendary black jersey of the New Zealand national rugby team. But Barrett was serious.
After all, his five highly talented sons – Kane, Beauden, Scott, Blake and Jordie – were already chasing the egg at home on the dairy farm. That was in 1999. And Barrett should keep his word. Beauden (2012), Scott (2016) and Jordie (2017) were selected in order for the All Blacks. In June 2018, they became the first trio of brothers in history to start an international match together for New Zealand.
But what was the secret recipe? “Lots of organic milk,” said Beauden Barrett. Beauden is the most talented of the Barrett family. The 32-year-old won the World Cup title in 2015 and was named World Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017. He is also a key figure for the “gods in black” in the tournament in France, which is getting increasingly heated.
In the quarter-final against Ireland (28:24), the final player, who was equipped with enormous wit, caused chaos for the opponent with his kicks. But this time it was his youngest brother Jordie who stole the show. The center hindered Irishman Ronan Kelleher, who had already broken through into the in-goal in the breath-taking final phase, with a heroic rescue operation while laying off and thus saved the New Zealanders from certain elimination.
After the memorable match against the world number one, the brothers hugged each other. “The moments after the game are probably the best,” said Beauden. The greatest thing is to “drink a beer with my brothers.”
Rugby World Cup: New Zealand expects “intense” game against Argentina
On Friday (9 p.m./ProSieben Maxx and ran.de) in the semi-final duel with Argentina at the Stade de France, the Barretts will do everything they can to reach the final with the resurgent All Blacks. “We have to make sure we are ready,” demanded head coach Ian Foster: “We know Argentina well, it will be an intense game.”
The two teams have played 36 games against each other so far. The South Americans have only won two of them, but both in the recent past. In November 2020, the Argentines achieved their first ever win against their upcoming opponents. The second one followed a little over a year ago. The New Zealanders clearly won the last two meetings.
A win for the Pumas would be a sensation. The Argentines have never reached a World Cup final; their best placement was third in 2007 and fourth in 2015. New Zealand, on the other hand, has won the golden Webb Ellis Cup three times so far. And the myth of the invincible All Blacks is finally back after the victory over Ireland.
Thank the Barrett brothers.