Beauden Barrett has the worst kicking stats of any goal kicker in international rugby this year. Photo / Photosport
As Beauden Barrett continues to work on his goalkicking issues, he at least has the novelty of travelling to Chicago and the start of the All Blacks' Northern tour with two of his younger brothers, Scott and Jordie.
All Blacks' No10 Barrett will step on to the plane with the
rest of the squad this afternoon for Chicago and the test against Ireland at Soldier Field next Sunday morning NZT. With him will be lock Scott, 22, and second-five Jordie, 19.
With the high ankle sprain injury to Sam Whitelock, which will prevent him from travelling, and Brodie Retallick's concussion issue which has put him in doubt, Scott has a good chance to play his first cap on the tour, which also features a test against the Irish in Dublin, plus tests against Italy in Rome and France in Paris. Jordie is travelling as an apprentice.
Speaking as the All Blacks launched their new jersey this morning, described by manufacturer adidas as the strongest yet, Barrett the elder said the family connection would create a new dynamic on tour.
"It's come around pretty quick and this time I've got a couple of brothers coming on board with me so it's going to be a different trip but good fun too," Beauden said.
