There was no saving him for this week's test against the Springboks at Ellis Park. Nathan Harris didn't come on for his debut until seven minutes from the end, a testament to the way Mealamu looked to be enjoying himself in his first test start since England at Twickenham last November, as much as to the coaches' careful handing of the 22-year-old back-up.
Barrett was tidy in Aaron Cruden's absence, apart from a lapse or two. He appeared to enjoy the All Blacks' game plan of getting the ball to width and into the hands of Julian Savea, Israel Dagg and Ben Smith; kicking was reserved for contestable chips which on the whole were good.
One well-worked move with Savea on attack almost paid off with a try but the big left wing was adjudged to be slightly offside.
"It was frantic at times, but we moved the ball like we wanted to, like we prepared for and we had a bit of fun out there," said Barrett in an on-field interview. "It was good, see."
Of his own performance, he said: "There were some good things and some bad things. I rushed myself a few times but it's all learning for me and I just love every opportunity I get in this black jersey and I'll take a lot out of this game."
Unlike his poor goalkicking performance in Napier against the Pumas, his first in an All Black No10 jersey, this time it was perfect - six from six, including one conversion from the left sideline.
"It was a lot better than Napier so I'm pretty pleased with where I'm heading," he said.
Fekitoa's performance at second-five suggested coach Steve Hansen could be right in his comments during the week that the 22-year-old is talented enough to be able to specialise in the two midfield positions.
His distribution, defence and decision-making were all excellent.
