Barrett hungry for pivot spot

Hurricanes flyhalf Beauden Barrett has his sights set on the All Blacks No 10 jersey.

Barrett is back at training with the Hurricanes as they prepare for the Vodacom Super Rugby season and working harder than ever to secure a starting berth in the All Blacks side in 2016.

Since making his debut in 2012 he has earned 36 Test caps, but only six starts at flyhalf out of a total of eight.

However, with Dan Carter and Colin Slade now playing in France and unavailable for All Blacks selection, Barrett’s chances of starting at flyhalf for New Zealand are looking more favourable. He now only has Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga to compete with for the coveted shirt.

‘All I can worry about and focus on is playing well for this side [Hurricanes] and getting myself into that position to do so [claim the All Blacks No 10 jersey],’ Barrett said. ‘That’s my focus for pre-season, working hard and working on my skills so that it does happen.’

The Hurricanes' Super Rugby season kicks off on 26 February against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images