Beauden Barrett's first run in an All Black jersey

Beauden Barrett's first run in an All Black jersey

Aaron Cruden leaving the field at around the 25 minute mark against the Irish in 2012 heralded the beginning of one of the most noteworthy All Black careers to date.

Beauden Barrett, the fresh-faced 21 year old from Taranaki took the field in the number 21 jersey and, if he had felt any nerves, he did a good job of concealing them.

Surrounded by teammates of formidable talent, Barrett slotted into the fly-half role as if he’d occupied it for years, making good use of the boot to negate the Irish forwards’ efforts and keep them turning back towards their try line.

He was not afraid to have a go himself either, sniping at what gaps he could find when he wasn’t igniting a powerful backline with precise and skilful passing.

The teams jogged off to the shed with the score at 29-0 in the All Blacks’ favour and it only got worse for the Irish in the second stanza.


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