Barrett replaces Lima Sopoaga

So much for Beauden Barrett's week off.

The hard-working All Blacks first five-eighth, who has started all eight tests in 2017, was originally slated as one of six players to sit out the trip to Buenos Aires for the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

But that plan has proven ill-fated, with the 26-year-old called in at late notice to replace Southland's Lima Sopoaga in the travelling squad of 28 to face the Pumas, as the All Blacks look to seal another title with their fifth victory from as many matches in the competition.

Sopoaga and his partner Miriam are awaiting the birth of their first child, and he has been released from the trip.

It would have been a rare chance for Sopoaga to showcase his abilities in a starting role for the All Blacks. Of his 11 test caps, 10 have been off the bench, with his sole stint in the run-on XV against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2015 (a match won 27-20 by the New Zealanders).

Barrett will instead get the chance to add to his heavy workload from 2017. He has played all but 31 minutes of the All Blacks' season to date, subbed off for the final 21 minutes of the All Blacks' first-up 78-0 thumping of Samoa at Eden Park, and also spending 10 minutes in the sinbin during the 39-22 victory over Argentina in New Plymouth.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had been keen to get Barrett and fellow starters Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Liam Squire, Sam Cane and Ryan Crotty an extra week's rest by flying them straight to Cape Town for the Rugby Championship finale the following week against the Springboks.

But the fates have denied Barrett that rare test off, and he will now likely start against the Pumas, unless Hansen decides to have a look at Damian McKenzie in the role.

Barrett played outstandingly in the All Blacks' record 57-0 victory over the Springboks at Albany's QBE Stadium last Saturday, missing just one of nine shots at goal, and sparking an exhilarating attacking display from the No 10 position.

The All Blacks fly out for Argentina on Friday evening.

 

 

Photo by: PHOTOSPORT (Caption: All Blacks first five Beauden Barrett will be playing against Argentina in Buenos Aires after all)