Beauden Barrett provided the ideal response to his critics with his display in the victory over the Wallabies, according to All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina.
The 35-year-old was making his second start under Dave Rennie on Saturday and produced an exceptional display, scoring two tries in the 43-21 triumph in Sydney.
Barrett struggled in Super Rugby Pacific and, despite being named in the wider New Zealand training group, was omitted from the squads for the Nations Championship.
From South African struggles to finding his form
He then struggled on tour in South Africa, failing to make an impression against the franchises and missing out on selection for the opening three Tests against the Springboks.
However, injuries have opened the door for the experienced playmaker and, after making a try-scoring return off the bench in the fourth Boks clash, he has started both Bledisloe Cup matches.
Some had questioned whether the 2015 Rugby World Cup winner’s international career was over, but Barrett showed that he can still add plenty of value in a black jersey.
“It was impressive,” former full-back Muliaina said on The Breakdown.
“You look back a few years when we were going to the two playmaker roles and there was a lot of indecision, no one knew what it was because they were both first fives.
“You had a Damian McKenzie and a Beauden Barrett; who was actually the boss? Well, it was clearly Damian McKenzie [on Saturday] but it’s not bad when you can have a centurion step up.
“He was awesome and, to be fair, there’s been a lot of heat on Beauden Barrett. What people don’t see is the experience he brings and now he scores two tries and catapults himself back to where he was when he should have never been spoken to like that.
“Dave Rennie mentioned it, it’s invaluable having guys like that in the environment. He had an outstanding game.”
Muliaina was joined on the panel by ex-All Blacks scrum-half Steve Devine, who praised the pack for giving the backline a consistent supply of quality ball.
“As backs, when we get lightning quick ball we get over the advantage line and everything gets a little bit easier,” Devine said.
“Obviously, we struggled in South Africa because they’re so up and direct and so quick off the line, but against the Aussies, quick ball over the advantage line, it’s bread and butter for our outside backs and it’s easy yards.”
Rennie’s role in Barrett’s improvement
Muliaina also believes that Rennie has had a big role to play with Barrett and McKenzie playing better than at any time under Scott Robertson.
“It’s amazing how much confidence you get in yourself when your coach believes in you. I’m not saying that’s what happened in the previous coaching environment, but Damian McKenzie is now a different player,” he said.
“You look at Beauden Barrett, pressure on him in terms of performance, but his coaches are coming out all the time and backing him, and he performs.
“I’m seeing a lot of happy campers but also guys willing to work and also know they’re not taken for granted, and I love that.”