All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has heaped praise on playmaker Beauden Barrett, who continues to impress since returning to the side.

The full-back found himself out of the reckoning at the start of this Test season, putting his 2027 Rugby World Cup chances in doubt, but he has benefited from a couple of key injuries.

With both Ruben Love and Richie Mo’unga sidelined, Damian McKenzie has shifted from full-back to fly-half and Barrett has taken his place at 15.

After a couple of superb displays in the 2-0 Bledisloe Cup triumph, the 35-year-old was also to the fore in their 43-21 victory over Scotland.

Two more tries for All Blacks legend

He touched down twice in the success as they began the northern leg of the Nations Championship in excellent fashion.

“Everything we know about Beauden, I know there are people out there thinking that he’s past it, but he’s in an environment here where we really value his experience,” Rennie said.

“He’s a true professional. Everyone wants to play and even when he’s not playing, and it’s hurting, he’s doing everything he can to help others and prepare the team well.

“What we were confident of is that if he got his opportunity, he would front up. He played at 15 for us in a couple of the provincial games in South Africa. It’s the reason we left him at 15 and played Damian at 10.

“He’s been excellent. I’m really rapt for him. He’s an important part of this group and it’s nice that he’s playing well as well.”

The All Blacks endured a testing opening period as Scotland challenged them in the maul and also defensively, with Finn Russell weaving his magic at times in the first half.

It led to yellow cards for both Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi as the hosts went into the break in touch at 24-21 in arrears.

Forward dominance

However, New Zealand wrestled control in the second period, dominating with their kicking game and set-piece to take the match away from the Scots.

The lock pairing of Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland were a big part of that, with the former captain – and brother of Beauden – having a big influence since returning from injury.

“He’s (Scott Barrett) been awesome. He’s got a big engine, a lot of unseen stuff around tackle, carry and clean; he’s been great,” Rennie said.

“I thought Fabian had a big game again and both the big men going 80. We’ve got a number of second-rowers who have got big engines who can play 80 minutes, which is a bonus for us.”