Warning for Lions as Barrett in thunderous form for Hurricanes

British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland should take note — All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett is on a different planet right now and might be even better than three-times World Player of the Year Dan Carter, New Zealand rugby pundits have said.

The 25-year-old Barrett, last year’s World Player of the Year, was instrumental in the Wellington Hurricanes’ 28-24 win over Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, scoring one try and setting up their other three.

New Zealand Herald columnist Chris Rattue said he had seen few better than Barrett, comparing him to All Blacks great and former Munster man Christian Cullen, whose pace and vision helped change the role of the running fullback.