NAPIER: Beauden Barrett will get his first start at his preferred position of flyhalf for New Zealand on Saturday after selectors decided not to risk Aaron Cruden suffering further injury against Argentina.
The 23-year-old Barrett has made just two previous starts, both at fullback, in his 21-test career with coach Steve Hansen preferring to use him as an impact player off the bench.
The Wellington Hurricanes pivot was the form New Zealand flyhalf during the Super Rugby competition this year but unable to dislodge Cruden from the starting position for the All Blacks.
Cruden then played his best game for the All Blacks in the 51-20 thrashing of Australia at Eden Park in the second round of the Rugby Championship before going off with a chest injury.
Hansen said the injury was one of the reasons why Barrett had been given his first opportunity to start a test against the Pumas at McLean Park. “Aaron could have played but the selectors weren’t prepared to take the risk of him re-injuring himself and being out for a long period,” Hansen said in a statement.
Hansen made just two other changes to the side from the Eden Park demolition of the Wallabies with Israel Dagg returning to the side at fullback to play a test on his home ground.
Ben Smith will shift to right wing to accommodate Dagg’s inclusion.
REUTERS
