Boyd unfazed by Barrett's rugby binnings

Apr 19, 2017 - 4:11 AM Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has brushed off any concerns about star playmaker Beauden Barrett's recent run of Super Rugby yellow cards.

And returning flanker Blade Thomson has volunteered to lend the odd elbow if necessary to reinforce any reminders.

Barrett picked up two yellows in the Canes' 38-28 win a fortnight ago over the NSW Waratahs for intentional knock-downs as he tried for an intercept.

The second offence resulted in a red card, and drew the attention of SANZAAR's judiciary.

He escaped further sanction, with the red card deemed sufficient punishment for the intentional offending.

Barrett was again yellow-carded on Saturday for a deliberate knock-down in the Hurricanes' 28-24 win over the Blues, but Boyd saw no need for a talk with his influential five-eighth.

"He was a bit grumpy about giving that away - that was an instinctive situation," Boyd said.

"He's by no means a serial offender. We don't have discussions around that stuff - he knows."

Returning loosie Blade Thomson, playing his first game in eight weeks after dislocating his shoulder in round one, says he's happy to administer the odd gentle reminder if necessary.

"He doesn't surprise me that much any more - his discipline does though ... I give him an elbow here and there, but he knows what's gone down, so I think he's just looking forward to the next challenge," Thomson said.

"He's outstanding - he's a leader of the team, a lot of the boys look up to him and follow him, and what he says goes."

The Hurricanes, with just one loss from seven games, meet the Brumbies on Friday in Napier, and Boyd expects Barrett to be at his best in running the lethal Canes' backline.

"His running game is coming on nicely - he's a rare talent and, when he's on top of his game, he's a matchwinner.

"He's in a really good space and he's coming nice at the right time," said Boyd.

Source: AAP