All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett backs Josh Ioane to shine, when his number is called during Sunday's (NZT) test against Argentina.
Highlanders playmaker Ioane is one of four uncapped players named on the All Blacks bench to face the Pumas, alongside prop Atu Moli, loose forward Luke Jacobson, first-five Josh Ioane and utility back Braydon Ennor, while Crusaders winger Sevu Reece will start on the right wing.
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Ioane vaulted into All Blacks contention, after the injury to Damian McKenzie, who tore his ACL during the Super Rugby season.
And with Richie Mo'unga staying home to recover from the Crusaders' Super Rugby championship campaign, Ioane will get a chance to impress coach Steve Hansen and make his case to be on the plane to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.
Barrett is impressed with what he's seen from 23-year-old Ioane during his time in All Blacks camp.
"He's a great kid with a lot of potential," said Barrett. "He's got a good memory - he remembers things a lot quicker than I do, so he's learning pretty quickly.
"It's good to have those rugby conversations. Obviously, you have to have the balance to switch on and off, we're certainly getting that."
Along with mentoring Ioane, Barrett has been doing his part to help the other young backline players with the All Blacks in Argentina.
New Blues signing Barrett is the third-most capped All Black (73) on tour, behind Brodie Retallick (75) and Aaron Smith (82).
Of the All Blacks backline, only Barrett, Ben Smith (72) and Anton Lienert-Brown (33) have more than 10 test caps to their names.
Barrett said many of the rookies have been trying to tap into his wealth of knowledge.
"It's a lot easier [to find your voice] than it used to be," he said. "The young guys are encouraged to be themselves, there's no such thing as a dumb question.
"If you need to know something, you have to have the courage to just ask. It's better to ask the question than to go out there and not be sure."
Rain is forecast for the test and Barrett knows the All Blacks kicking game will have to be on point, if they're to win.
"[The rain] affects tactics, no doubt," Barrett said. "Obviously, we've had beautiful weather so far.
"We're preparing in beautiful sunshine, but we have to be prepared for the rain. Tactically, you have to adjust and adapt out there."
New Zealand have never lost in 28 meetings with Argentina, although the South Americans managed a 21-21 draw in 1985.
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