Dave Rennie on Beauden Barrett's omission despite 'impressive' All Blacks impact

Regardless of question marks surrounding Beauden Barrett’s form, All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has shown his appreciation for the 144-Test veteran.

Barrett was chosen as one of three first-fives in Rennie’s first All Blacks squad named last Monday in Fielding, but was not selected as part of the 23-man squad tasked with facing France in Christchurch.

Hurricanes first-five Ruben Love got the nod to start in the all-important No.10 jumper, with Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie in the No.15 position.

Although Love’s Super Rugby Pacific form has been superb, Rennie’s call to leave Barrett out was still a decision not to be taken lightly.

Love will make his sixth appearance for the All Blacks this weekend at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, having never started at No.10 under former head coach Scott Robertson.

“I wouldn’t say hard [team to pick], yes, there’s always good people missing out, and so you’re having conversations with guys who are like really close to maybe playing their first Test as an All Black,” Rennie said in Christchurch.

“Or someone like a Beauden, who’s been around for a long time. I’ve been so impressed with him, I haven’t coached Beauden before.

“His contributions have been massive, he’s training really well.”

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“He’s been impressive, so if someone of that quality is sitting in the wings, I guess it shows how strong we are in that position.”

The former Glasgow Warriors and Wallabies head coach explained how he’s enjoyed giving players an opportunity to lead during the first Test week of the year.

“I’ve been really impressed, like I said, with the rugby IQ of a number of these guys. You’ve got a fair few men who have got a lot of Tests under their belts, and we’re trying to give them opportunities to lead,” Rennie told media at One New Zealand Stadium.

“So we’ve got every single player in some sort of group where they have to contribute and get in front of the group, and so that’s been good.

“I’m learning lots about these men, and it’s been impressive.”