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https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/news\/back-in-nz-jordie-barrett-breaks-silence-on-champions-cup-benching\/ <\/p>\nmens<\/p>\n
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Jordie Barrett of the All Blacks during a New Zealand All Blacks training session at North Harbour Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter\/Getty Images) https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/news\/back-in-nz-jordie-barrett-breaks-silence-on-champions-cup-benching\/ <\/p>\n
Jordie Barrett has spoken publicly for the first time about his high-profile benching in Leinster\u2019s Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton<\/a> Saints, describing the decision as \u201calways part of the conversation\u201d now that he is back with the All Blacks<\/a> in New Zealand.<\/p>\n Barrett\u2019s absence from the starting XV for one of Leinster\u2019s biggest games of the season sparked intense debate in Ireland<\/a> and further afield, especially given his consistent form since joining the Dublin club on a short-term deal.<\/p>\n The decision to bench the All Blacks star was labelled \u2018the most complacent and misplaced selection you will ever see\u2019 on X by Will Slattery of The Left Wing podcast, while Ruairidh C\u2019Connor of The Irish Independent wrote \u2018Leinster should probably have started their best player\u2019.<\/p>\n World Rugby and the British & Irish Lions announce a groundbreaking strategic collaboration that will see the RugbyPass App become the designated home of the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025. <\/p>\n Download Now<\/a><\/p>\n World Rugby and the British & Irish Lions announce a groundbreaking strategic collaboration that will see the RugbyPass App become the designated home of the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025. <\/p>\n The 28-year-old, who was used off the bench in the 37\u201334 defeat, has returned to All Blacks duty this week ahead of the opening Test against France<\/a> in Dunedin and defended the Leinster<\/a> decision to start him on the bench.<\/p>\n Speaking pitchside at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, Barrett told Stuff<\/a>: \u201cThat was always part of the conversation. Leinster had a strong squad and a lot of Irish influence. Believe it or not, in today\u2019s game, you can get just as much out of being on the bench, or even outside of the 23.\u201d<\/p>\n Barrett insisted he was \u201cfit and healthy\u201d throughout his stint and praised Leinster\u2019s rotation policy during a gruelling European season.<\/p>\n He was only benched three times in 15 appearances and helped the province lift the United Rugby Championship<\/a> title two weeks ago with a dominant win over the Bulls.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a great experience for me,\u201d he added. \u201cLearning through the experiences of playing in a different hemisphere\u2026 and just picking up bits from playing against French and English teams in the European Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n Barrett also reflected on working with former Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, calling him \u201ca good man, a different style and approach and way of thinking\u201d.<\/p>\n His replacement at Leinster, Rieko Ioane<\/a>, will arrive later this year. Barrett\u2019s advice for his fellow All Black? \u201cBe an open book. You don\u2019t know what you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Video](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/spacer-new.png\")
British & Irish Lions in collaboration with the RugbyPass App<\/p>\nBritish & Irish Lions in collaboration with the RugbyPass App<\/p>\n