Barrett to get rare start

Beauden Barrett will start at flyhalf for the All Blacks against Argentina in Napier on Saturday after Aaron Cruden was ruled out with a chest injury.

Cruden suffered the injury during the record victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park just under a fortnight ago, and has failed to recover in time to take his place in the starting XV.

Barrett had a stellar season with the Hurricanes during Super Rugby, where he was the tournament's second highest point-scorer, but he has been unable to establish himself as a starter in Steve Hansen's team. Of his 21 Test caps, 19 have come from the bench, with his two starts coming at fullback, against Italy in 2012, and Japan last year.

He will now get his chance to stake a claim for the No 10 jersey, although it seems likely Cruden will return to the pivot position should he recover in time to face the Springboks in Wellington next weekend.

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