Rugby: Barrett to be in Super demand

Beauden Barrett playing for Taranaki. Photo / Getty Images

Accepting that this season has gone, the Hurricanes need to be thinking of 2012 and lock Beauden Barrett into a long-term contract.

The 19-year-old first five-eighth is one of the hottest properties in the New Zealand game, having impressed in his cameo performances for the Hurricanes. He's also been named in the New Zealand under-20 side and, over the next two months, is expected to underline his class. Many believe he has the potential to be an All Black.

With Mike Delany and Matt Berquist already confirming they will be leaving this year and Stephen Brett, Daniel Carter, Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald all contemplating offshore offers, New Zealand is likely to be bereft of quality first fives next year, significantly raising interest levels in Barrett.

Still only 19 and a member of the Hurricanes wider training squad, ideally Barrett would spend 2012 backing-up a more experienced campaigner and playing off the bench while making the occasional start. But the likely shortage of experienced campaigners could see Barrett asked to step up in 2012 and play a lead role.

The Blues made a play for him last year and are expected to do so again in 2011. If they lose both Brett and McAlister, as is probable, then their options within the region are Lachie Munro and Gareth Anscombe.

The latter has also been named in the New Zealand under-20s and showed with Auckland last year that he is a player of potential. He was mature and tactically alert but Barrett, with his Super Rugby experience, may be a stronger candidate to lead the Blues backline in 2012.

The Blues will have money to throw at Barrett as several of their better-paid players could be leaving this year. The Chiefs, too, are likely to make a play for the Taranaki youngster as they, too, could be without a senior first five next year. Delany is heading to Japan and Stephen Donald is as yet undecided about where his future lies.

Coach-elect Dave Rennie had charge of the New Zealand under-20 team between 2008 and 2010 so has extensive knowledge of all the young talent coming through. He'll know Barrett's potential but may be more interested in first seeing if he can lure Aaron Cruden to Hamilton.

Cruden and Rennie are close, having worked together at national age-grade level and with Manawatu. Speculation is strong that the Chiefs will make Cruden an offer he can't refuse.

He'll be paid well but the real attraction will be working with a coach he knows and trusts. If Cruden leaves the Hurricanes, the opportunity opens for Barrett to establish himself as their starting first five in 2012.

Staying in Wellington is Barrett's preference. He's one of eight children and close to his family who are based in Taranaki. Still, while the Hurricanes can be confident, they can't be complacent. Market activity will heat up after this year's competition and with demand far outstripping supply, players like Barrett are going to be made unusually good offers.

Depending on who decides to leave New Zealand, there could be ample transfer activity among the various first fives.

If Carter leaves, Colin Slade could return to the Crusaders. If Carter stays and Slade remains with the Highlanders, Lima Sopoaga might opt to head back to the Hurricanes, especially if Cruden joins the Chiefs.

If Cruden stays with the Hurricanes, maybe either Barrett or Daniel Kirkpatrick will shift to either the Chiefs or the Blues.

All of which leads back to the Hurricanes moving early to lock in Barrett now.