Video / Sky SportBeauden Barrett could be facing a spell on the All Blacks bench after his Japanese sabbatical, according to Sir John Kirwan. However, All Blacks great Kirwan believes Barrett's spectacular form won't be enough to earn him a spot in Ian Foster's starting 15 when he returns to New Zealand. "I don't think that's a big debate," Kirwan said about the intensity of Super Rugby Aotearoa compared to the Top League. "There's no way the All Blacks selectors would risk them coming back without knowing the intensity of the Japanese league. He went back and played the house down in Super Rugby last year and won another title.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 13, 2021 17:26 UTC