South Africa are coming to New Zealand on the back of a frustrating loss and in search of an emphatic performance - factors that will see them lift their intensity and look to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
While it was unusual to see Barrett miss so many, goal kicking has never been viewed as his greatest asset. His success ratio for the Hurricanes this year was 73 per cent, and while that is respectable, it is not the sort of return that leads anyone to believe he's a kicker who will nail the big moments in the tightest games.
Aaron Cruden, who is expected to be fit to play in Wellington, has had his troubles in front of goal, too, but ever since he landed that winning conversion in Dublin last year from the touchline, he has inspired confidence that he can keep the All Blacks in business with his boot.
He has had 17 shots at goal in this Rugby Championship and landed 14 for an 83 per cent success ratio.
It is probable that the selectors have always had it in mind that Cruden would be starting against the Boks. If they ever did have any doubts, they were probably expunged by Barrett's lack of accuracy from the tee and the fact that the Wallabies sneaked home in Perth thanks to a superb pressure kick from Bernard Foley.
The contest this week in Wellington may be just as close and a win could create the chance for the All Blacks to win the title in Argentina.
Barrett is at least confident he knows how to fix his problems should he be required to goal-kick.
Watch: Rugby Highlights: All Blacks 28 Argentina 9
"I know what went wrong and it is pretty simple," he said. "It is what I am working on every week. It is about getting over the ball and not bailing out early. Mick [skills coach Mick Byrne] and I both know what the issue is. It is about trusting myself and staying in my processes."
Just as kicking may be the decisive factor in selecting the starting No10, so too might it be the key to determining the makeup of the back three.
Israel Dagg's thunderous right boot was welcome against the Pumas. He clunked the ball prodigious distances and that ability to turn defence into attack with one languid swing of the leg is maybe why he'll retain the No15 jersey and keep Cory Jane out of the picture.
With competition for places in the back three so fierce, becoming recognised as a credible goal-kicking option is something Dagg feels would serve him well.
"Beaudy's [Barrett's] ankle was sore on Thursday and they said you are going to kick for touch. So I was pretty happy and hopefully that is another string to my bow. I thought I was actually going to step up and place kick but Beaudy told me to go away."
