All Black scrum half Tawera Kerr-Barlow talks to us about the setback against Vannes, the keys to the rebound, the end of his La Rochelle adventure and the situation in New Zealand rugby. Talk to the boss.
How has the group experienced these last few days after the unexpected defeat against Vannes?
There was a lot of disappointment in ourselves. We had to tell each other, between players and staff, everything that had gone wrong and everything that needed to be improved. We all took a good look at ourselves in the mirror and we must now use all of this as a source of motivation to find a face that suits us as quickly as possible.
Worry does not seem appropriate for you. What makes you optimistic?
We know that we have the quality to bounce back and become efficient again. That's not the problem. The important thing is to have good preparation and to arrive with a very good mentality on match day. You know, rugby is 85%, 90% about attitude and the desire to hurt yourself. It has to happen in the head.
It is difficult to place you rugby-wise this season with performances that follow one another and are not alike…
We suffer from irregularity, it is undeniable. You know, sometimes you don't have to be exceptional to win games: you just need to be solid on the basics and do the simple things effectively. But before looking for regularity, let's concentrate fully on this weekend's challenge. Bath are a very good team. It will be a huge challenge for us on the lawn of the leader of the English championship.
The Champions Cup has often had a galvanizing effect on you…
How could anyone not be excited about facing the best teams in Europe? Going to Bath is a challenge but great to tackle. In my eyes, the Top 14 is the best club competition in the world and the European Cup is a close second. Both deserve to be at our best.
In these periods of possible doubt, the role of leaders is increased. As one of the team captains, do you feel more responsible?
To lead a group, you must first play well and lead others with your actions. This is the first obligation of every leader: play well before speaking. That's what I try to do, to let my game speak before myself. But I am far from the only one to have this role. We have a lot of experience in this team, enough to correct the course.
How do you feel, personally?
I'm really happy with my first part of the season. Apart from the match in Montpellier where I was far from being in my best form. I'm trying to be at my best during this period which I know is crucial, at the start of the European Cup and as we approach the second half of the championship. I hope that we will really start a good dynamic from this match in Bath and that we will continue this momentum in the Top 14. It will become harder with the two competitions to take on. But it is in these moments that the great clubs and the great players begin to emerge.
In 2025, you will have worn this jersey for eight years, one year longer than your time at the Chiefs. What does this inspire you?
Here, it's like a second home. With my family, we love La Rochelle and what it represents so much. We had two children here, soon a third. I love this club and my teammates. And eight years later, I still feel just as privileged when I put on this jersey.
How have you managed these last few weeks due to the indecision that hung over your future, with the end of your contract looming in 2025?
It wasn't ideal, I admit. I tried to control the things I had control over: my professionalism, my attitude, the way I play. This must never change. I tried to have a good preseason and offer the best version of me.
Can you confirm your departure from Stade Rochelais next summer?
Unfortunately, yes, this will be my last season here. This is how our paths will separate. It's hard to accept but that's how it is. I created very good memories in La Rochelle and I plan to experience other great moments before leaving next summer. The ending deserves to be beautiful. Afterwards, I don't want to dwell on all these questions. I don't rehash anything. My gaze is set on the immediate future and I can see no further than Bath.
There is a crucial debate in New Zealand at the moment over the possible future eligibility of players playing overseas, which is what Scott Robertson would like. What is your position on this issue?
I'm not sure this is the right solution. Just look at the South African model: of course, they can select exiled players and thus have the best on hand, but look at their national championship; and their best teams now play in the URC. Lately, more and more boys are returning to play in South Africa. I wouldn't want New Zealand rugby to be undermined: if you can't keep your best young people, raise them your way, it's the DNA of your rugby that you can lose. It will be very interesting to see what is decided and I hope that the leaders find the best solution.
A word on the current form of your selection, which has had a mixed year…
The All Blacks finished the year very, very strong. Against France, it was so close. I think we could have won. We had almost everything in hand to win but a few mistakes were fatal at the end. It was expensive to pay. Despite everything, the All Blacks are heading in the right direction.
