Beauden Barrett is All Blacks’ ‘saving grace’ amidst the Damian McKenzie conundrum claims Sir John Kirwan

Former All Blacks wing Sir John Kirwan doesn’t have any problem with Beauden Barrett starting at fly-half if Damian McKenzie is not available.

Scott Robertson is looking for his next New Zealand pivot after Richie Mo’unga left to take up a long-term contract in Japan.

McKenzie is the clear favourite to take the role but Stephen Perofeta has been pushing him hard following an excellent start to the Blues’ Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

However, Perofeta has picked up a shoulder injury, while McKenzie missed the Chiefs’ clash with the Crusaders, leaving the Hurricanes’ Brett Cameron as the only other New Zealand-based number 10 to be putting his hand up.

Reason for his absence

According to Chiefs boss Clayton McMillan the fly-half’s absence was precautionary due to a minor niggle, and he has since returned to the starting line-up, but it shows that any injury issues could leave the All Blacks exposed in that position.

That is unless they trust Barrett to come back straight from Japan and slot into the playmaking role for the July series against England.

The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade in Japan and primarily played at full-back for New Zealand in 2023, but he has often featured at 10 at Test level.

Boost for Chiefs as Damian McKenzie returns for Moana Pasifika encounter

Some believe that given his age and Japanese sabbatical Robertson should be looking elsewhere, but Kirwan would very much support his inclusion.

Speaking on The Breakdown, fellow panellist Jeff Wilson asked: “Are we comfortable with Beauden Barrett as our first five?” To which Kirwan responded: “Are you kidding me?”

“Beauden Barrett is, I believe, our saving grace,” he added.

“We hope Perofeta is fit, McKenzie is fit, but we’ve got Beauden Barrett. How good is it that we are actually using that, to have Beauden back? It’s fantastic.

“If he came back and Perofeta’s injured, and Damian’s not at a 100, bring it on! Who else would you play!?

“These guys are coming through, but man, coming back to experience, I just think it’s such a good idea.”

Jeff Wilson on Cameron’s form

Wilson discussed Cameron’s impressive start to the season on the show after guiding the ‘Canes to the top of the table.

The 27-year-old is putting his hand up for All Blacks selection, but the 50-year-old sounded a note of caution about throwing him in straight away.

“Brett Cameron is doing a job really nicely here, but let’s understand that Super Rugby is not the international arena. It’s not Test matches. It’s not playing England in July,” Wilson said.

“At some point, yes we want to see some players, because we need growth and players to step up and get an opportunity.

“If he continues to do what he’s doing, in terms of Brett Cameron for a Hurricanes team playing outstanding rugby, we’ve got to look at it.”

READ MORE: Sonny Bill Williams pays tribute to ‘humble, caring and fierce’ Sam Whitelock