The Blues Barnstormer Tony Johnson Wants You To Keep An Eye On

Super Rugby always throws up a name or two early in the season, the kind of player that makes you stop, squint, and ask: hang on, this bloke is damn good! Who is he?

Right now, for Tony Johnson, that name is Torian Barnes.

Johnson was asked by Martin Devlin on the DSPN to give him one player who has stood out in 2026, and he did not hesitate for long.

Johnson's answer went straight to a position New Zealand Rugby never stops obsessing over.

"We are always looking for new players in certain positions, we are constantly looking for who might be next," Johnson said. "And the number six jersey is another one that we are constantly looking, asking the question, is this the right guy?”

That is the hook here. Barnes is not being talked about as a finished product. He is being talked about as an exciting prospect with a bright future ahead. And in rugby, especially in New Zealand, that is often how the big conversation starts.

Johnson's appraisal was measured, but it also had a tinge of unmistakable excitement.

"Just one guy who has really impressed in small doses, but you see tremendous potential.”

The Blues clearly agree. Not only is Barnes getting plenty of gametime in his first year of Super Rugby, he has already been signed through to the end of the 2028 season, with the club describing him as one of the competition’s most exciting emerging forwards.

Barnes is just 22 years of age, and stands at 1.95m with the capability of playing both six and eight. He has reach, size and enough mobility to make an impression in traffic.

The numbers as well as the eye test back all of that up.

“His gain line stats are good, his tackle numbers are good, he’s up around 80 per cent on the tackle.

“[His] metres after contact are also very good as well… I’m not saying he’s going to be the next Jerome Kaino, I’m not saying anything of the sort. I’m just saying keep an eye on him. When he comes on the field, have a look at him” Johnson added.

That is smart analysis from TJ. No wild coronation. No silly overreach. Just a nudge in the ribs: watch this bloke.

Because that is often how it starts with forwards. Not with a 40 metre solo try or some viral moment, but with repeated little involvements that coaches love and opponents hate.

Barnes is getting noticed for his physicality, his work rate and the energy he brings around the park.