Beauden Barrett excited to lead out New Zealand on captaincy bow
Beauden Barrett refused to believe he would captain New Zealand knowing he had never previously led a team at any level.
The reigning world player of the year will be at the helm for the All Blacks against the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday in the absence of Kieran Read, skippering a largely second string XV in the non-cap international.
"I never dreamed this would happen. This is well beyond my wildest imagination," the 59-Test fly-half said.
"It was a dream for me as a youngster to play for the All Blacks, but I never thought of captaining them.
"It's the first team I've ever captained, so for it to be the All Blacks is a big challenge for me and it's something I've been looking forward to.
"I don't expect it to be perfect, it's my first week in this position and one I've enjoyed so far.
"I'll be addressing the team in different ways. I'm used to being up there, presenting the attack and running that side of the game, but now I must look at the big picture.
"I'm not really a motivational person, but that's when my lieutenant Sam Cane will come in handy. If he needs to say something, he says it and he's been good like that."
Predatory wing Julian Savea faces the nation he has represented 54 times, scoring a remarkable 46 tries in the process, after being selected by the Barbarians.
The 27-year-old is a devastating finisher but has been discarded by the back-to-back world champions amid a request from coach Steve Hansen to rediscover his joy for rugby and to find a "good head space".
Barbarians coach Robbie Deans insists the 127-year-old invitational club continues to offer a unique experience to players that keeps alive the sport's traditions.
"It's a point of difference, from their routine, their competition grind and it's unique because it brings people together who would ordinarily play against each other," Deans said.
"The Barbarians really does capture the essence of rugby, everything that's great about the game. We'll challenge New Zealand because you never have it all your own way."