As Beauden Barrett continues to work on his goalkicking issues, he at least has the novelty of travelling to Chicago and the start of the All Blacks' Northern tour with two of his younger brothers, Scott and Jordie.
All Blacks' No10 Barrett will step on to the plane with therest of the squad this afternoon for Chicago and the test against Ireland at Soldier Field next Sunday morning NZT. With him will be lock Scott, 22, and second-five Jordie, 19.
With the high ankle sprain injury to Sam Whitelock, which will prevent him from travelling, and Brodie Retallick's concussion issue which has put him in doubt, Scott has a good chance to play his first cap on the tour, which also features a test against the Irish in Dublin, plus tests against Italy in Rome and France in Paris. Jordie is travelling as an apprentice.
Speaking as the All Blacks launched their new jersey this morning, described by manufacturer adidas as the strongest yet, Barrett the elder said the family connection would create a new dynamic on tour.
"It's come around pretty quick and this time I've got a couple of brothers coming on board with me so it's going to be a different trip but good fun too," Beauden said.
"It's going to be weird, I've only ever travelled with Kane, my older brother, on a rugby trip, but I'm looking forward to it."
Barrett's form when taking over the No10 jersey from the injured Aaron Cruden this year halfway through the Rugby Championship has been stunning, but his kicking for goal remains a work in progress.
He missed all three of his shots at goal in the 37-10 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park as the All Blacks extended their winning record to 18, the first time a tier one nation has done so, and he was replaced by Cruden shortly after halftime.
