As they raised their eight children on a dairy farm just south of New Plymouth, Kevin and Robyn Barrett could never have dreamed of watching three of their sons representing the All Blacks and playing key roles in New Zealand reaching another World Cup final.
But that is exactly what the parents of the country’s most famous sporting trio witnessed on Friday night: Kevin and Robyn watching on proudly at the Stade de France as Beauden, Scott and Jordie guided Ian Foster’s side to within one win of more global glory.
Paris is a long way from the Kiwi coastal province of Taranaki, but the near 12,000-mile journey was made well worth it as the Barrett brothers once again shone on the biggest stage.
‘It’s so sweet. It’s new territory for this group,’ said centre Jordie, the youngest of the brothers but now one of the first names on head coach Foster’s team sheet.
‘We slipped at the semi-final hurdle four years ago. I am just so proud of this group but it’s not done yet.’
Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett and Scott Barrett of New Zealand pose for a photo following the team’s victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final against Argentina
Parents Kevin and Robyn watching on proudly at the Stade de France as Beauden, Scott and Jordie guided Ian Foster’s side to within one win of more global glory
Known as ‘Smiley’, Kevin was an icon of Taranaki rugby and, on retiring from his own playing career, he was asked what was next. ‘I’m going to breed some All Blacks,’ he said.
At the time, Beauden (32), Scott (29) and Jordie (26) had in fact already been born. With a rural upbringing and strong sporting family pedigree —mum Robyn was a talented athlete and basketball and netball player — the Barrett brothers were given a more-than-decent chance of success. But their achievements have been extraordinary.
They became the first set of three brothers to play for the All Blacks. Now just one match stands between them and winning the World Cup together. ‘It’s new territory for a lot of boys but there are also World Cup winners and World Cup finalists in our team so we will call on their experience as much as we can,’ said Jordie.
‘We are just going to enjoy the week as much as possible. It’s special times.’
Indeed they are. Beauden was a World Cup winner in 2015 and has gone from star fly-half to a key figure at full-back following the emergence of Richie Mo’unga at No 10. Jordie, a talented utility back, has made the inside centre position his own. His move to No 12 happened more by accident than design, but it couldn’t have gone better.
At lock, Scott has stepped out of the shadow of chiselled veterans Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick to be a key forward figure.
Four years ago, all three brothers were part of the New Zealand side surprisingly beaten in the semi-finals by England. In France, they have already gone one better.
Beauden Barrett of New Zealand is tackled by Facundo Isa of Argentina during semi-final
Jordie Barrett of New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final match
Player of the Match, Jordie Barrett of New Zealand, is presented with a Trophy after semi-final
But they are not done yet. Barring injury, all three are close to certain to start next week’s final.
‘As youngsters playing in the backyard we only dreamed of being here,’ Beauden said ahead of New Zealand’s 44-6 semi-final hammering of Argentina. ‘I’m pinching myself whenever we get the opportunity. It means so much to us.’
At the 2019 tournament, Scott revealed how they used to practice on the family farm as if their game was indeed a World Cup final. ‘In the backyard it would be a joke and you’d say, “He’s got to kick to win the World Cup”,’ Scott said.
On Saturday night, back at the Stade de France, they will have the chance to do it for real.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
