The Barrett brothers – Beauden, Scott and Jordie – are all alumni of Francis Douglas in New Plymouth and they all starred in the school’s 1st XV.
Deputy principal Tim Stuck had the pleasure of coaching all three but was first to admit they had some key elements embedded in their game even before arriving at high school.
“I think it’s [down to] their work ethic and their understanding of the game, but you know, it stems from probably playing footie in the backyard and going to school down the coast and coming into Francis Douglas Memorial College and then heading on to the greener pasture as well.”
Even when pressed, Stuck was not keen on taking too much credit for the Barretts’ success.
“Absolutely not. There’s been a number of coaches that they’ve had along the way that have had an impact and I suspect that the environment they are in at the moment … those coaches have done a pretty good job with them.”
But Stuck believed there could just be something in the water at Francis Douglas.
Former All Black Conrad Smith is also an Alumni of Francis Douglas.
Smith who graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Law with Honours, has a strong rugby lineage.
His uncle and great-uncle were both All Blacks and his father represented Taranaki in both rugby and cricket.
More recently, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Jacob has signed with the All Blacks Sevens for two years.
As for which Barrett was best, Stuck leaves it to others to decide.
First fifteen lock Abraham Mataitini opted, perhaps not unsurprisingly, for Scott who was a surprise selection in the All Black’s starting lineup for the semifinal, at blindside flanker.
“For me, it’s probably Scott Barrett. He’s got the biggest work rate on him I’d say.”
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