‘Look out for that blue headgear!’ — All Blacks skipper Barrett eager to nullify Tadhg Beirne threat

New Zealand All Blacks Squad Training, University of Illinois, Chicago, United States of America 30/10/2025

Scott Barrett and the All Blacks pack will be on a blue alert at Solder Field on Saturday night as they look to keep Ireland’s pack leader quiet.

"Yeah, Tadhg Beirne has been in great form, particularly around the breakdown. That’s what we’ve highlighted, where we need to nullify him and his game. I guess look out for that blue headgear!,” said the skipper after New Zealand’s Captain’s Run in Chicago on Friday afternoon.

The Munster skipper who rediscovered his indomitable Lions form in quick time on his return at Croke Park two weeks ago isn’t the only threat posed by Andy Farrell’s forwards. Barrett says winning the battle up front will go a hell of a long way to winning the war and settling a batch billed as ‘The Rematch’.

“Their game for the last ten years has been built around their pack and their ability to play and their skillset. They’ve a high work rate and the challenge defence is multi-phase so that’s been a big focus for us,” added Barrett.

“It’s about intensity really. Whoever sets that first and starts well will go a long way to winning the test match. A huge part of this tour and certainly tomorrow night is around defence, shutting down Ireland. That’s been a big focus for us but obviously what we can do with the ball in hand as well.” 

The Barrett family will be typically well-represented at Soldier Field with Scott joined by both Beauden and Jordie in Scott Robertson’s starting XV. The latter’s stint with Leinster has been a talking point here and the captain admitted that his younger brother has proven useful.

“Yeah, Jordie’s provided a couple of gems this week around them, around their game and ultimately that they love to beat the All Blacks. I won’t give away too many trade secrets but he’s let us in on a couple,” added Barrett, who will win his 87th cap in the second row.

The 31-year-old made his international debut in that breakthrough Irish victory here nine years ago. Getting back to the scene of a day of mixed personal emotions brought a few rushing back.

“Yeah actually just before, when I walked into the changing room there was a bit of deja vu,” Barrett said. “It’s still got that dull grey locker that I first wore the jersey in. It’s great to be back here nine years later for an opportunity to put a wrong right from back in 2016. “