Long wait for Barrett worth it

After enduring the longest Saturday in his life as he awaited his first start in an All Blacks’ No.10 jersey, Beauden Barrett is preparing for another nervous wait.

The 23-year-old played key roles in three of the All Blacks’ four tries in their 28-9 win over Argentina in rain-soaked Napier.

His goalkicking was off-target, however, with the pivot landing just one of his five attempts before exiting after 55 minutes.

He admitted to being anxious ahead of his first outing as the All Blacks’ starting first five-eighth in what was his 22nd Test.

“The whole week has been quite a nervous week. It couldn’t have gone any slower.

“Today was probably the longest Saturday I’ve ever had. I couldn’t wait for the kick-off,” he said after the match.

Coach Steve Hansen said Barrett and assistant coach Ian Foster would review his performance in the coming days.

“There’ll be plenty to talk about. A lot of it will be positive and some of it will be negative,” he said.

Barrett’s hold on the jersey may only be temporary with Aaron Cruden fit for selection against the Springboks in Wellington.

He will have to wait until the team is named internally on Tuesday, but he is just keen to play his part.

“Whatever the case is we just look to roll on. It’s a huge challenge up against us next week,” he said.

“If I’m on the bench or if I’m starting – happy days.”

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