Wynne Gray: Barnes back in control of test

At last the wait is over. The dream team is coming to a town near you.

Come June 12 when the All Blacks open their domestic campaign in New Plymouth, Wayne Barnes will be in charge. Yep that's right, Wayne Barnes, he of the pale complexion, questionable eyesight and unerring silence after the 2007 World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff.

Barnes reffed an All Black test against Scotland a year later and has run touch for their games in this part of the world. But, despite vigorous references from International Rugby Board referees' boss Paddy O'Brien, Barnes has not whistled his Acme Thunderer in an All Black test here.

O'Brien reckoned Barnes was "the brightest star we have on our books" after the World Cup but those stellar qualities were sheltered from twinkling in New Zealand.

However, in a few months, Barnes will control the All Blacks' first test this season against Ireland with James Leckie and Mark Lawrence running touch and George Ayoub monitoring the tele in case there are any ticklish questions. It seems Ayoub was siphoned off to be a specialist television match official because his work with the whistle was a little erratic.

Lawrence has pushed his way steadily up the ranks but there have been concerns about Leckie including the latest blast at his touchjudge officiating from Blues management.

However, Leckie will run touch at New Plymouth and a fortnight later will return to Hamilton as an assistant when the All Blacks host Wales.

While that may provide a trying start, the All Blacks have Jonathan Kaplan controlling two of their later internationals while Lawrence and Alain Rolland also get appointments.

It has become fashionable during this season's Super 14 for referees to be available for after-match explanations on contentious decisions or rulings they made during matches.

Amiable Aussie ref Stu Dickinson rocked up after game one at Albany for some chatter and there has been no public directive since, that the scheme would be abandoned for the test series.

Broadcasters and their television audience have access to referees during games and this year's after-match system was an extension of that scheme. Hopefully, Barnes is not required to front for any explanations after the test at New Plymouth.

The bloke carried far too much blame for the All Black miscues in Cardiff but leaving him in offshore limbo for more than two years added to that wreckage.