The high-beta poloidal discharge number 17110 in JT-60U that develops an internal transport barrier is analysed for the transport of ion energy and momentum. First the classical ion temperature gradient stability properties are calculated. Then the evolving toroidal and poloidal velocity profiles reported by Koide et al (1994 Phys. Rev. Lett. 72 3662) are used to show how the sheared flows control the stability and transport. Coupled momentum-energy transport equations predict the creation of a transport barrier.