Barrett fitness should go under microscope

Beauden Barrett felt the pain of losing the last time the All Blacks played at Ellis Park Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

There's been no mention of any other problem with Beauden Barrett.

Remember he hurt his right knee in the later stages of the Super 15 series and then returned without quite the same venom he had shown as the Hurricanes went about their best campaign for some time.

We assumed his initial reluctance to kick goals and a batch of mild performances were signs he was not confident his knee had recovered fully from his grade two strain.

The bandage on the injury suggested, in much the way Charles Piutau straps his knee to bolster his confidence through recovery, that Barrett still has a worry about his leg.

It can't be enough to hinder his work, at least that's the way the All Blacks would like to portray his form as they sift through their selections for the next test against the Springboks.

There is some noise in rugby circles that Barrett may have some problem around his hip area as well. Not that the All Blacks or any other team in the same position, would divulge any issue with one of their brood unless they had to.

The chatter was Barrett could play through the hip concern. He might experience a little discomfort but it should not have too much impact on his play as long as he stretched and warmed up well.

The All Blacks need to test Barrett and see what they can get out of him while there is a chance he could also aggravate the problem with the worst scenario, some surgery and six months' recovery.

However, they have plenty of five-eighths cover with Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga in the 31-man squad which has travelled to Johannesburg. If there is any issue with Barrett's fitness, the others can step up and no one will be any wiser.

Multiple options surround selection for this test as the All Blacks look to reverse last year's 27-25 defeat at the same Ellis Park arena.

They have four midfielders, three five-eighths, three halfbacks, five loose forwards, four locks, five props and three hookers to choose from.

There is intrigue about so many decisions.

Does Ben Smith, who was the best fullback in Super rugby, get picked in that role or does he have to switch to the wing to allow Israel Dagg to continue his comeback from injury at fullback?

Where does Liam Messam fit in the mix and which of the locks will miss out, presuming that James Broadhurst is involved.

After several strong cameos from Nepo Laulala, will the selectors give him another chance to step up for the World Cup if Charlie Faumuina's recovery from neck surgery hits any speedbump?