Rennie backs Barrett despite All Blacks omission: 'His contributions have been massive'

Dave Rennie has defended his decision to omit Beauden Barrett from the All Blacks’ matchday squad for Saturday’s Test against France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, insisting the 144-Test veteran has made a strong impression in his first week under the new head coach.

Barrett was included in Rennie’s wider squad — the first the former Wallabies coach has named since taking charge — but missed out on the 23 when Rennie opted for Hurricanes fly-half Ruben Love at No.10 and Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie at fullback. Love, who has never started at No.10 under any previous All Blacks coach, will earn his sixth Test cap in the fixture.

“I’ve been so impressed with him, I haven’t coached Beauden before,” Rennie said at a media briefing in Christchurch. “His contributions have been massive, he’s training really well.”

Rennie acknowledged the difficulty of leaving a player of Barrett’s standing out of the matchday group, but framed the decision as a reflection of the depth New Zealand now carry at first-five.

“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,” Rennie said.

The new head coach also spoke about his broader approach to the squad’s first week together, describing an environment in which players across the group are being asked to step into leadership roles regardless of experience.

“I’ve been really impressed 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 said. “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.”

Love’s selection at No.10 comes on the back of an outstanding Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Hurricanes, and the 23-year-old will be tasked with directing an All Blacks attack against a France side that arrives in New Zealand as one of the world’s top-ranked teams. For Barrett, the challenge now is to force his way back into Rennie’s plans as the Nations Championship schedule develops.