RUGBY
Jordie Barrett and Sevu Reece stake their claims for World Cup spots
All Blacks coach Hansen's worries over McKenzie injury are eased
Wellington — With All Blacks coach Steve Hansen still casting his eye around Super Rugby while he fine-tunes his squad for the World Cup, Jordie Barrett and Sevu Reece picked the perfect time to put down a marker for the global showpiece. Hansen’s plans were thrown a curve ball two weeks ago when Damian McKenzie was ruled out for the rest of the year with a knee injury. McKenzie’s utility value gave Hansen the option to take him as the likely starting fullback and third-choice flyhalf behind Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga. With Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane certainties in the back three mix, Barrett, who has played mostly fullback in his nine tests, could have been on the fringes of the World Cup squad if McKenzie was available. But he gave Hansen something to think about on Saturday. Making his first appearance in the No15 jersey since week two, Barrett was superb for the Hurricanes in their 47-19 demolition of the Chiefs. The 22-year-old enjoyed the extra space the position affor...
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