Despite his recent exile from the All Blacks' first-choice side, Joride Barrett is still a key feature in the plans of coach Steve Hansen, assistant Ian Foster says.
Barrett, 21, hasn't featured in the All Blacks' starting side since the 36-34 loss to South Africa in Wellington, with the likes of Ben Smith and Damian McKenzie cementing themselves as the preferred options in the number 15 jersey.
However, with a fresh-looking All Blacks side likely for this weekend's clash with Japan in Tokyo, Barrett could find himself as a key player in his coaches' plans, with Foster saying the youngster has benefited from his time away from the field.
"All players, but particularly young players, they just want to play and it's not easy for them when they don't get picked, but he's been massively impressive," Foster told Stuff.
"We've challenged him on how he learns and how he gathers information about the game and how he operates and, quite frankly, I think he's done a great job.
"Let's not deny the fact we still love his instincts. There's a natural talent about him that we don't want to curb too much as well.
"But, clearly, on the international stage you've got to have a little bit more discipline in some parts of the game, which he's been working on. Like understanding his defensive reads and understanding when it's time to go and when it's not time to go and they're things that are not easy to get right."
The All Blacks side to face Japan this weekend will be announced on Thursday afternoon NZT.
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