Lions Tour 2017: Big test for little brother at fullback

Jordie Barrett has the confidence of his coaches in his run-on debut for the All Blacks. Photo / Brett Phibbs

By Gavin Mairs

Jordie Barrett, the All Blacks full-back, insists he is ready to withstand an aerial bombardment if the British and Irish Lions target the 20-year-old in his full debut in the test series decider at Eden Park in Auckland.

Barrett, the younger brother of All Blacks first-five Beauden, was the surprise selection as Steve Hansen overhauled his back three amid fresh injury problems.

Hansen revealed that he did not consider Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo, the two wingers who started the second test in Wellington because of injury problems, with Jordie Barrett's selection allowing Israel Dagg to switch to the right wing, with Julian Savea also earning a recall.

Barrett has already faced the Lions in the draw with the Hurricanes, but, having played just 23 minutes for the All Blacks in the victory over Samoa last month, he is expected to be tested by the tourists tonight.

"Whatever comes my way, comes my way," said Barrett, the third member of the family in the match day 23, with brother Scott on the bench. "It is just about controlling it."

Hansen is in no doubt that the latest member of the Barrett family to make his first All Blacks start is ready for what will be by some distance the biggest game of his career.

"He's very good in the air and he's also a good defender," Hansen said. "We have worked hard on his positioning and he is a quality player.

"He played well for the Hurricanes against the Lions and we have confidence in him.

"He comes from fairly good stock and is a calm and confident sort of bloke. We would not have picked him if we didn't think he could go out there and play. Whatever happens [tonight], he's only going to get better and better."

Hansen said he was "feeling good" ahead of the series decider, playing down the pressure that has mounted following the defeat in Wellington.

"We've lost games of rugby before, you know," Hansen added. "Every week there is pressure in rugby and you have to embrace it. But real pressure is having to give someone CPR and then maybe telling their loved ones they haven't made it.

"What we are doing is playing a game of rugby. This is a young team and whatever happens in this game we will be better for it. Is there more pressure this week than last week? No.

"We are expected to win every game we play and on Saturday, it's going to be physical.

"Every test match is won up front and this will be no different. The Lions series is hugely significant because it only happens once every 12 years.

"But it won't define this team whether we win, lose or draw. This is a young team that will only get better."