By Jeff McTainsh
Yes, Beauden Barrett had an outstanding game in Wellington. Yes, he deserves a start in Dunedin. Should he? No.
With the series against Wales won, it's time to give Lima Sopoaga a start. Forsyth Barr is a stadium he knows so well, and a place where he's crafted his game to become arguably New Zealand's form first five-eighth in Super Rugby this season and last.
The coaches know all about Barrett at this level, not Sopoaga, and with a busy schedule of Test rugby ahead this season, having another good look at him in the starting role wouldn't be a bad move.
Is Beauden Barrett's impact better off the bench? (Photosport)
Aside from his sound kicking and dynamic running game, he oozes x-factor. He has the ability to act on a hunch and more often than not - he executes. He takes the line on regularly, puts the defence in two minds, and one wonders just how damaging he could be if he settles into a rhythm alongside some of the most dangerous ball runners in the game.
Sopoaga's also had the obvious benefit of playing outside halfback Aaron Smith week in week out with the Highlanders, a combination that, if given time, could very well blossom into something special on the international stage too.
It is unlikely that Sopoaga would be carried in a 23 ahead of Barrett as specialist 10 cover, given Barrett's versatility and impact off the pine. If the above is akin to the thinking of the All Blacks coaches and selectors, then barring injury or a serious change of thinking, opportunities for Sopoaga to push his case this year will be limited.
We have seen what he does with limited opportunity though - he takes it. The 25-year-old looked more like a veteran playing his 50th Test against the Springboks in the Republic last year, not his first.
The drums might be beating for Barrett, but it's time for Sopoaga to conduct proceedings once more.
Newshub.