Rugby: All Blacks jersey no long requires teamwork to get on and off, Beauden Barrett says

In recent years, teamwork within the All Blacks squad hasn't just taken place on the field.

While the skin-tight cut of the black jersey might look good, Beauden Barrett admitted the most recent version wasn't the most comfortable when a new design was unveiled yesterday.

"This one is really comfortable, I can say that it's more comfortable than the last one – we can actually get it on and off ourselves, whereas the previous one required a bit of teamwork."

Barrett will have to wait almost two weeks at least before he dons the new jersey, missing the All Blacks test against Japan this weekend.

The 27-year-old was among a group who were set to travel to London during the week ahead of next weekend's test against England at Twickenham.

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However, while he would miss the first opportunity to pull on the new kit, younger brother Jordie was expected to make his return to the pitch for the All Blacks in the match against Japan.

The youngest of the Barrett trio, Jordie hasn't featured for the national side since a disappointing night in the team's loss against South Africa in Wellington in September.

The match could also see the return of Dane Coles to the black jersey, with the injury-hampered hooker set to remain with the squad staying in Japan.

The pair were expected to feature alongside a number of new faces in the All Blacks set up, which always looked likely given the size of the squad taken on the Northern Tour.