Beauden Barrett says he is relieved the focus can return to rugby with the appointment of Dave Rennie, after a turbulent period for the All Blacks.
Rennie edged out Highlanders boss Jamie Joseph for the position, and has already given an indication of what his immediate priorities will be.
Players were consulted during the review process that ultimately led NZ Rugby to appoint Rennie.
“It was certainly a thorough process. As a player, I’m happy that’s over, so we can focus on playing rugby,” Barrett told the media in Auckland.
RENNIE: All Blacks will be picked on form
The coaching change followed a difficult season for the All Blacks under Scott Robertson and a subsequent review that saw the governing body move to install Rennie at the helm.
Barrett is confident that Rennie will have success, given what he’s achieved in his career so far.
“There has obviously been really good praise for Dave Rennie with the track record he has. I’ve spoken to a number of Chiefs players, and they hold him in very high regard,” Barrett said.
“I remember the earlier years of my career and how tough those Chiefs teams were with the success they had. He’s certainly a man I have a lot of respect for.”
Barrett made a timely return for the Blues just days after Rennie was confirmed as the new All Blacks coach last Wednesday.
The veteran flyhalf had been rested for the Blues’ opening three Super Rugby matches, but reminded everyone of his class by guiding the Blues to a 29-13 win over the Crusaders at Eden Park in his first match of the season on Saturday.
The 34-year-old is the most experienced current All Black with 144 Tests.
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Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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