Analysis: Scott Barrett's two recent matches in the NPC – his first at any level in almost 12 months – may be enough to convince the All Blacks' selectors to give him a starting role in Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test against Australia.
By Patrick McKendry of RNZ
The All Blacks may feel that the work Barrett has put in since his back surgery five months ago, added to the experience gained from playing 89 tests, plus his recent game time for Taranaki, is sufficient preparation for a start at Eden Park.
Fellow lock and now former All Black Brodie Retallick had a similar ability to slot straight back into test mode following a long lay-off and the selectors may feel a greater sense of comfort starting the 32-year-old Barrett while having the ability to replace him as needed rather than bringing him into the test.
Barrett could be joined in the starting line-up by midfielder Jordie Barrett, with big brother Beauden also potentially playing a role.
With Ruben Love out for the rest of the year due to ankle surgery, Richie Mo'unga is highly likely to be the All Blacks' chief playmaker for the two-test Bledisloe Cup series and next months' Nations Championship tests in the United Kingdom, but Mo'unga appeared to play a limited part in Tuesday's training.
Richie Mo'unga in trainers
He did not take part in any physical activity the media were allowed to view at the end of the All Blacks' run and afterwards was pictured wearing trainers rather than boots.
Should the Barrett brothers be reunited on the field, it will be the first time they have played together since the 26-13 victory over Ireland in Chicago in November last year.
Head coach Dave Rennie could partner Scott in the starting line-up with either Josh Lord or Fabian Holland.
Beauden, 35, not selected in any capacity for the first six tests of the year, came off the bench for the All Blacks during their recent defeat to the Springboks in Baltimore.
If Mo'unga is ruled out, either Beauden or Josh Jacomb, who performed well against the Stormers, Bulls and Lions on the recent South Africa tour, could wear the No.10 jersey.
One would suspect, though, that Barrett, who has played 145 tests to Jacomb's 0, would get the nod.
Rennie will announce his team at midday on Thursday.
An All Blacks' victory will secure the Bledisloe Cup for another year after they won it back from the Wallabies in 2003 – which is not to say the Australians will lack confidence beyond the nation's famous sunny optimism.
Australia have momentum on their side
The Wallabies are building a genuine momentum under new coach Les Kiss. They are on a six-test unbeaten streak and have enough backline weapons – including the 1.96m tall Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i, who has found a home on the left wing – to trouble the All Blacks.
League convert Sua'ali'i and fellow outside backs Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright have proven to be far more capable than the All Blacks under the high ball recently – including during their dramatic 42-38 victory over the Boks in Perth.
Likely fullback Damian McKenzie and probable wings Will Jordan and Leroy Carter will have big roles to play in countering the aerial threat posed by Sua'ali'i and company, with the forwards, without the injured Ardie Savea, and led by hooker Codie Taylor with support from Scott Barrett, highly motivated to improve a scrum and maul that were both also exposed by the Boks recently.
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