New Zealand rugby risks losing one of its most prodigious talents by insisting that Beauden Barrett wears the No 15 on his back.
That's the damning view of former England international Stuart Barnes, following another underwhelming performance from the Blues fullback in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Barrett, in his first season with the Auckland franchise, has faced increasing criticism for his lacklustre performances over the past weeks — with his showing against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night his worst of the curtailed Super Rugby season.
At the same time Crusaders pivot Richie Mo'unga dazzled in the second half at Orangetheory Stadium, sparking his side's comeback to win 26-15 and remain unbeaten.
![Beauden Barrett (right) was outplayed by Richie Mo'unga (left). Photo / Getty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/XSGUXLR3PGQXLTNRCXRJV6SXVA.jpg?auth=4967a2c76610f44cdc063339e6fd4c7e8c44e0eaee9440e843c824f3d46b0191&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)