Maori All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow is bracing for a lift in intensity against the Barbarians at Eden Park on Saturday night.
The 24-year-old got through 50 minutes against Fiji in his return to first-class rugby since a serious knee injury last October and thinks it will be even tougher against the Barbarians.
"The pace was quick at times but we know against the Baa-Baas it will be a lot faster," Kerr-Barlow said.
Kerr-Barlow will start again against the Barbarians with coach Colin Cooper keen to give him significant minutes.
"He was still a bit rusty, he just needs time in the saddle, but his communication, his experience that he brings is just awesome for this group," Cooper said.
Fellow Chiefs player Brad Webber is reserve halfback after making his All Black debut against Samoa.
Cooper isn't so flush at tighthead prop, with Josh Hohneck in hospital with an infection and Ben May ruled out with an ankle injury.
Brendon Edmonds will start in the No. 3 jersey, while Marcel Renata joins the bench.
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