Sexton hardly surprised by Jordie Barrett’s selection

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One of the British and Irish Lions backline generals is hardly surprised by Jordie Barrett’s meteoric rise up the rugby ranks.

Barrett will make his run on All Blacks debut at fullback in tomorrow night’s test series decider in Auckland.

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Lions first-five Jonny Sexton has been following Barrett’s progress for a while and said he deserves his selection.

“I’ve watched him this season. I watched him playing against Ireland in the U20s World Cup last year and straight away [he] strikes you as someone who’s going to make it on the international stage.”

Sexton said Barrett will be a threat and offers a different dimension of play.

He said Barrett has a big boot and will bring a second pair of eyes much like Sexton and Farrell’s combination so they need to be wary of that.

Jordie Barrett playing against Samoa on debut (Photosport).

The British and Irish Lions are dismissing suggestions of frailties in the All Blacks midfield.

With just 13 international caps between them, Ngani Laumape and Anton Lienert-Brown will pair up at second-five and centre.

The Lions midfield duo of Owen Farrell and Jonathan Davies boast more than 100 international appearances between them.

Sexton said newer All Blacks tend to shine in key moments.

“Laumape coming in at 12 caused us problems last week, so we’ve got to be ready for him. Lienert Brown brings a lot. I’ve played against a few times now. He’s a pretty good ball player and if you show him any holes in the defence, he’ll take them.”

-NewstalkZB

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