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Jordie Barrett has spoken publicly for the first time about his high-profile benching in Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints, describing the decision as “always part of the conversation” now that he is back with the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Barrett’s absence from the starting XV for one of Leinster’s biggest games of the season sparked intense debate in Ireland and further afield, especially given his consistent form since joining the Dublin club on a short-term deal.
The decision to bench the All Blacks star was labelled ‘the most complacent and misplaced selection you will ever see’ on X by Will Slattery of The Left Wing podcast, while Ruairidh C’Connor of The Irish Independent wrote ‘Leinster should probably have started their best player’.
The 28-year-old, who was used off the bench in the 37–34 defeat, has returned to All Blacks duty this week ahead of the opening Test against France in Dunedin and defended the Leinster decision to start him on the bench.
Speaking pitchside at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, Barrett told Stuff: “That was always part of the conversation. Leinster had a strong squad and a lot of Irish influence. Believe it or not, in today’s game, you can get just as much out of being on the bench, or even outside of the 23.”
Barrett insisted he was “fit and healthy” throughout his stint and praised Leinster’s rotation policy during a gruelling European season.
He was only benched three times in 15 appearances and helped the province lift the United Rugby Championship title two weeks ago with a dominant win over the Bulls.
“It was a great experience for me,” he added. “Learning through the experiences of playing in a different hemisphere… and just picking up bits from playing against French and English teams in the European Cup.”
Barrett also reflected on working with former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, calling him “a good man, a different style and approach and way of thinking”.
His replacement at Leinster, Rieko Ioane, will arrive later this year. Barrett’s advice for his fellow All Black? “Be an open book. You don’t know what you don’t know.”
Barrett is one of six midfielders named in Scott Robertson’s first All Blacks squad. He looks likely to reunite with Ioane in the centres as New Zealand prepare for a blockbuster series against France.
