We need Larkham: Barnes

[Burgs]

I am really coming to admire Barnes' character, he is top shelf.

We need Larkham: Barnes

By Wayne Smith
September 25, 2007

THE rave reviews continue, though more restrained, but Berrick Barnes believes that for the good of Australia the time has come for him to exit the stage to allow Stephen Larkham to return for his triumphant farewell.

It is extraordinary the impression the 21-year-old has made in just three Tests, and even though he readily found fault with his own performance against Fiji on Sunday, the British critics have warmed to him in a way they never have the more established stars of the Australian side.

Yet although the growing consensus is that the Wallabies would be in good hands if Barnes was needed to play in the knockout stages and indeed that he offers a kicking game that Larkham can no longer deliver, there is a world of experience separating the master from his apprentice.

Barnes realises that. He would love nothing more than to go head-to-head with Jonny Wilkinson in an Australia-England quarter-final but knows Larkham is far better equipped to handle that assignment.

"I'd love to play against Wilkinson," Barnes said. "He's someone I've looked up to. But I think for Australia's sake it's best that Bernie (Larkham) comes back. Because that gives the team more stability."

Larkham himself isn't taking anything for granted. "I think everyone has competition for their spot and it would be no different for me," he said. "Berrick's playing quite well at the moment and you have to base your team selections on what's best for the team."

But before he exits stage left, Barnes has one last performance to give, against Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday, an appointment he is expected to keep despite finishing the Fiji match with a corked thigh which will mean he is not likely to train until Friday.

And he may not play the full game with Connolly hoping to play Larkham for the final 20 minutes.

[Jehna]

Yeah he's a bright button. Def another one that has his head screwed on right. From what Gits was telling me, he's very conscious of knowing where he stands and not letting it all get to his head. At the same time he has confidence in his ability and an eagerness to learn and improve which very much mirrors Gits back in 2003. Its a very promising thing given how well Matty has come along.

Barnes is a good friend of my ex-bf and he maintains he's the most down to earth guy...really nice and damn funny

On Larkham - he's damn right. I mean Barnes has been wonderful but you can't beat the experience of Larkham

[RuckNMaul]

jehna has all the connections

no wonder shes now a mod, its all about who you know.....

[Skiza]

Of course, Barnes would say that

Nah, honestly he seems like a good guy and i think that once Larkham's gone, he'll slip in nicely and probably permanently.

[.X.]

Perhaps we can get the bookie to put odds on Barnes to make Vice-Captain when Gits makes Captain.

[Jehna]

jehna has all the connections
no wonder shes now a mod, its all about who you know.....

That and I'm also dating Coach on the side....obviously...but don't let his wife know...

[RugbyWidow]

Ahem...

[Jehna]

Ahem...

damn...did i say that outloud? I promise its all innocent

[jono]

Perhaps we can get the bookie to put odds on Barnes to make Vice-Captain when Gits makes Captain.

i'll take that bet. lol but i'd be betting on myself to make vice captain.
its gonna happen. (in my dreams)


barnes is doing an awsome job, could also be an option to have him play a half and larkham have a half so as to be able to conserve his knee.