Barnes the only fish in Wallaby pond
Australia have had more playmakers in their arsenal than you could shake a stick at until injuries ravaged their options leaving Berrick Barnes to don the No.10 jersey.
The Waratahs pivot would ordinarily have been competing with the likes of Quade Cooper, James O'Connor, Kurtley Beale and Christian Lealiifano for a spot in the backline. However, a sequence of injuries has left Barnes as the last man standing and the only fish left in what should be an overstocked pond.
The 26-year-old is used to being thrust into the No.10 jersey after he was forced to fill Stephen Larkham's giant boots at the 2007 World Cup as a youngster. Despite being more than capable of running the game from flyhalf, Barnes considers himself to be a better inside centre.
"I think my best position is probably at 12, but it always remains to be seen where coaches want to put me. At the 'Tahs I've been playing at 10 quite a lot, so I can slot in there without any real problems," he told this website in an exclusive interview.
"I don't think you can be picky when you're talking Test jumpers and I'm happy wherever I get the chance the play. I'll play anywhere the coach wants me, but I do prefer to play inside centre."
Before the June Test window opened up it appeared as though Kurtley Beale was destined to wear the No.10 jersey, until an injury ended his hopes of being available for the first Test against Wales. Barnes expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing in the No.12 jersey outside Beale, which could still be a reality with Beale in a fitness race for the third and final Test against Wales.
"It would be a privilege to play outside Kurtley as he is quality and has taking a big step up [playing at flyhalf] with the Rebels this season. You never know with injuries and players coming back how that might throw a spanner into the works of the selector's plans," Barnes said.
It's interesting that Barnes is the man to survive the rigors of Super Rugby, having had a groin injury before the start of the season and with a history of concussions resulting in his unique scrum cap.
Barnes is pleased that he has been able revert to a more conventional scrum cap this season.
"Things have been going okay and fingers crossed I don't have any more issues and don't cop too many hits to the head," he said.
"I've had a bit of a groin issue, but I managed a fair amount of work this season. Against the Stormers we had to try different avenues of attack and I had to kick my legs off a bit, but the groin is feeling okay."
The Wallaby ace's laid back lifestyle in Sydney may be the answer to his health and happiness, and he even braved the cold Cape Town water during the Waratahs' visit to the Mother City.
"I love surfing so it was great in Cape Town to catch a few waves with some of the locals," he said.
Barnes' fearless approach to his rugby is mirrored by his bravery in catching big waves in the Cape, famous for its great white shark population.
"I didn't see any big fish so it was all good," he quipped.
By Timmy Hancox
