Patrick McKendry: Why Beauden Barrett should head back to the All Blacks bench

Even a decade ago there was an assumption held by New Zealand's top rugby coaches that an All Black or a player on the fringes of that level would never be the same after a stint plying his trade in Japan.

It was a view proven wrong by Jerome Kaino, who spent two seasons at Toyota Verblitz after playing an integral part in the All Blacks' 2011 World Cup triumph, and returned to the Blues and All Blacks with problematic shoulders restored, overall fitness increased, and a desire to surpass the high levels he had already reached.

There are other examples of those who have excelled on their return from a competition in Japan which is universally agreed to be far less intense than Super Rugby. Sam Whitelock is a relatively recent returnee who looked rejuvenated for the Crusaders last year and who has continued his excellent form for the All Blacks this month; his influence off the reserves bench against Fiji in Dunedin was significant.

Brodie Retallick, who returned in last Saturday's 57-23 victory, will presumably follow a similar curve to Whitelock and Kaino.

But Beauden Barrett, selected for a rare recent start in his favoured No 10 jersey after his return from Suntory Sungoliath, will take far longer.

Beauden Barrett will need more time to adjust after returning from Japan. Photo / Photosport

His instincts weren't there under the roof in Dunedin and while he will be better for the run, he did little to suggest he should be the All Blacks' first-choice first-five ahead of Richie Mo'unga. If anything, Mo'unga's reputation will have been enhanced by not being involved in the Dunedin test, and, assuming coach Ian Foster will name his strongest side (injuries permitting) for Saturday's second test against Fiji in Hamilton, the Crusader will be back in the No 10 jersey for the foreseeable future, including the Rugby Championship which starts next month.

That's why there may have been an element of truth in that old assumption about top players returning from Japan, albeit for a team's main decision maker, because tight and loose forwards generally thrive in the less confrontational environment and return the better for it.

It's better for their minds and bodies, but for a playmaker like Barrett, who sets an agenda for his side via a constant series of decisions in the space of split seconds and in the face of hard-charging defenders, the trip may not have been as helpful for his overall game as it was for his bank balance.

Retallick is one of the most skilful tight forwards in the game but his core roles are based on set piece, collisions and catch-and-pass repetition rather than the requirement to navigate a team around the field. The same applies to Kaino and Whitelock.

Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga during an All Blacks training session. Photo / Photosport

Barrett is at his best when acting on instinct and playing what's in front of him but in Dunedin he appeared to be overthinking things. Mo'unga just looks sharper – if No 10s are the computers of a rugby team then his software is up to date while Barrett requires improvements to his operating system.

Barrett remains one of the best at changing the pace of a game off the reserves bench and the balance of the team looks better with him there.

For Mo'unga, the best midfield to play outside him on Saturday is David Havili and a returning Anton Lienert-Brown, if he's fit.

Rieko Ioane has improved at centre but at test level still looks like a wing playing out of position and a maturing Damian McKenzie appears to be the All Blacks' best fullback.

If Foster, who is coaching under the burden of the knowledge that he is without a contract extension beyond this year, selects his current best backline for Waikato Stadium, it should be something like this: Aaron Smith, Mo'unga, Rieko Ioane (left wing), Havili, Lienert-Brown, Sevu Reece, McKenzie.

If Lienert-Brown hasn't recovered from his elbow issue, then Ioane should be named at centre with the in-form Will Jordan on the left wing. It's a backline of pace and creativity – which Barrett should add to in the second half.