The “All Blacks” from New Zealand want to join the rugbyWorld Cup against Argentina in the final – and rely on a trio of brothers.
When Kevin Barrett was asked on the field after his last rugby game what he wanted to do after his career ended, most people thought his answer was a bad joke. “I’m going to breed some ‘All Blacks'”said the gifted second-row striker. But Barrett was serious. His choice of words was helped by the fact that when he said “breeding” he probably meant “training” because his eight children had already been born by then. And his five boys were already eagerly chasing the rugby egg in the meadows behind the stables on their home dairy farm in New Zealand. That was in 1999.
And Barrett should keep his word. His sons Beauden (2012), Scott (2016) and Jordie (2017) were selected in turn for the “All Blacks” – the famous New Zealand national rugby team. In June 2018, they became the first brother trio in history to start an international match together for New Zealand. That was a big moment for Kevin Barrett too. Because he was never allowed to wear the legendary black jersey.
Organic milk and lots of training
“Lots of organic milk”, Beauden Barrett once joked when asked about the brothers’ success. It is probably true that the boys, under the supervision of their rugby-crazy father, hardly did anything other than play rugby during their childhood and youth.
Beauden is the most talented of the Barrett family. The 32-year-old won the world title in 2015. In the final against Australia he scored the last try in a 34:17 win, helping the “All Blacks” to their third and last World Cup triumph to date. He was named World Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017, making him only the second player ever to do so in two consecutive years after former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
The beer with the brothers is the best
He is also a key figure for the “Gods in Black” at the World Cup tournament in France. In the quarter-final against Ireland (28:24) he caused with his Kicks Chaos for the opponent. But this time his youngest brother Jordie stole the show. The center prevented 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. It’s the greatest thing, then “drinking a beer with my brothers”.
New Zealand doesn’t want to underestimate Argentina
Also on Friday (October 20th, 2023) in the semi-final duel with Argentina Stadium de France the Barretts are back on the field together. “We’ve learned to respect Argentina a lot. They’re an underrated team. It’s going to be a hell of a game,” said coach Ian Foster. The “Go Pumas” So far, only England have had to admit defeat at the World Cup and beat them in the quarter-finals Wales the upper hand.
The South Americans can hardly wait for the game either. “There aren’t many opportunities like this in life, so playing in a semi-final is incredibly rare”said Argentina Head coach Michael Cheika. A win against the “All Blacks” is also rare. Of the 36 games, the Argentines only won two, but both in the recent past.
“All Blacks” clear favorite
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. The Argentinians have never reached a World Cup final; their best placement was third in 2007.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has won the gold three times so far Webb Ellis Cup. And the myth of the almost invincible “All Blacks” is back again after the victory over Ireland. After the opening defeat against France, the team turned up the heat. Thank the Barrett brothers. And father Kevin will certainly be watching.