One of the protagonists calls it the “elephant in the room”. Ian Foster might use more favourable terms, like a selection dilemma with no wrong answer. Dave Rennie would likely be less inclined to wax lyrical about the ridiculous luxury his All Blacks rivals have at the No.10 position.
Richie Mo’unga or Beauden Barrett? Beauden Barrett or Richie Mo’unga? It’s the choice the All Blacks coach has to make on a regular basis, and one rugby men the world over would kill to be confronted with.
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The New Zealanders, of course, are renowned for their selection advantages. They are deeper than Voltaire. They have more options than a multi-choice exam.
That’s part and parcel of what makes the All Blacks so consistently great. Their remarkable production line of rugby talent throws up more world-class players than arguably any of their rivals, though those South Africans might have something to say about that.
And nowhere is that more palpable in the All Blacks right now, ahead of the third Bledisloe Cup clash for the year against the Wallabies in Perth, than at fly-half, or the position we in New Zealand know as first five-eighth.
It seems remarkable to even write the words, but for the first two trans-Tasman matchups of 2021, Foster could only find a spot for two-time World Rugby player of the year Barrett on his bench.
That’s because in Mo’unga he has a No.10 at the peak of his powers, oozing X-factor and attacking brilliance, but also ticking the boxes around tactical and goal-kicking, defence and game management and delivering consistently high-level performances.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster said Barrett’s clear run at No.10 for the first few Rugby Championship clashes in Australia (Mo’unga stayed in New Zealand to await the arrival of his second child) had always been part of the plan
“We always knew Richie was going to miss a couple of tests round this time,” said Foster.
“I was really pleased with Beaudy off the bench at Eden Park. He looked to me like he’s in really good form. You don’t need to be Einstein to know there’s a nice window of time for him now, and that’s great.
“He’s been hanging out for an opportunity and in many ways not a lot changes. But clearly he’s going to have a nice little window of time to really get back into the saddle.”
For the previous two seasons the All Blacks have solved the two-into-one equation by shifting Barrett to fullback, but in 2021 Barrett has expressed a desire to play in his more natural No.10 position, and so far that’s seen him utilised off the bench.
That balance may change. For all Mo’unga’s dazzling footwork and line-breaking ability, Barrett remains the smoothest of operators in the first-receiver position with a turn of pace that leaves defenders flapping in his wake.
The dynamic could flip, especially when you consider Barrett started the year a little behind the eight-ball after returning from a short sabbatical in Japan.
Whatever the decision, Mo’unga remains adamant that the two No.10s have long ago come to terms with the fact that only one of them can start in their preferred playmaking position in any given week.
“It’s no different to any other player – there’s a lot of competition out there in all positions,” says the Crusaders wiz who has piloted the Red and Blacks to five straight championships, if you throw in their last two Super Rugby Aotearoa triumphs.
“I think it’s really healthy for the team, and it’s healthy for us because it’s a big challenge. To know I’ve got someone like ‘Baz’ (Barrett) wanting the same jersey as me, it’s motivating, it’s inspiring, and it’s not an unhealthy challenge I must say. It’s one that’s going to bring out the best in both of us, and the team.
“And whoever dons the jersey … I’d be happy for him and he’d be happy for me, and it’s about if I’m not putting that 10 jersey on, then what’s my role in that case?”
Mo’unga says his relationship with Barrett is strong enough that they can freely discuss their selection rivalry.
“We’re open about it, we address the elephant in the room,” adds Mo’unga. “But we’re not bigger than the team. This team is far greater than the individual, so for us it’s about what’s best for the team and doing that.
“If he’s wearing the 10 jersey this week, then how can I best prepare him, how can I best prepare the team to go out and put in a performance?
“It’s putting your ego on the hook. I love to wear the 10 jersey, but if I’m not it’s what does the best team-mate look like going forward.”
Barrett has shown no signs of restlessness or unhappiness yet. After the All Blacks’ record 57-22 victory in Bledisloe II at Eden Park he talked about “winding back the clock” with his bench role, referring to the position he occupied early in his career when Dan Carter was still the first-choice No.10.
“It reminds me of my early days in the All Blacks” he reflected.
“Essentially I just have to add value when I get my opportunities and as a unit we have to come on and make a difference collectively, not individually. Last week we got a little bit caught up and our discipline let us down … we were disappointed with that and wanted to make a shift this week, and I think as a unit the run-ons did a good job.”
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Experienced hooker Codie Taylor says Mo’unga’s career-best form has not come about by chance, either.
“He’s huge. I think you see every week what he does out there on the park, and it’s not by chance. If you look at both 10s, they’re two of the hardest-working people off the field in terms of getting their preparation right for a game. ‘Beaudy’ did pretty well in Japan and I think he’s pretty energised about getting back into this group and wanting to perform.
“It’s a tough job for the coaches [making the selection] but at the same time those boys have a really good relationship, they share everything and if it means it makes this team better, I’m sure they’ll put their egos on hold or whatever it takes to get the result.”
Right now it’s hard to fault the formula, with the Bledisloe Cup already tucked away for a 19th successive year, and the All Blacks making a big shift in performance between the first and second matchups.
For Mo’unga and Barrett it’s about being not only the greatest of rivals, but best of friends too.
