Beauden Barrett’s reaction to being dropped by the All Blacks says everything

Following the All Blacks’ second team announcement of the new Test season, 30 of the 34 players in the squad have now been selected.

However, Barrett – the most experienced player in the entire group – remains one of just four players yet to feature.

The 35-year-old is only six appearances away from becoming the fourth player in rugby history to reach 150 Test caps.

Should he reach the landmark, Barrett would become the first back in the history of the sport to do so.

After a difficult season with the Blues, Barrett has found himself fighting for his place in a fiercely competitive All Blacks squad.

For now, Ruben Love has been backed to continue in Barrett’s preferred number 10 shirt against Italy in Wellington.

Love will line up in a Hurricanes-heavy backline, with the selectors keen to maintain combinations and continuity.

“We’ve got a lot of depth, a lot of competition for places,” Rennie said.

“But I guess we’re keen to keep some combinations together and get a little bit of continuity.”

Barrett is joined on the sidelines by scrum-half Kyle Preston, flanker Simon Parker and lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Despite being overlooked for a second successive Test, Barrett has responded in exactly the way Rennie would have hoped.

Rather than allowing the disappointment to affect his preparation, the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has reportedly been one of the standout performers in training.

“Beauden’s been excellent,” Rennie revealed.

“He’s contributing really well, training really well. He carved us up a handful of times today.”

However, Rennie explained that Love’s impressive first Test at fly-half – combined with his existing connections with Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor – convinced the selectors to stick with him.

“But again, I gave Ruben his first Test at 10 last week, he played really well, and now he’s back at home with the connection with these guys,” Rennie added.

“So we’re keen to play him again, with DMac at the back.”

Rennie also made clear that not every member of the squad is guaranteed an appearance during the July Test window.

With the All Blacks facing a huge 17-Test season, the head coach believes there will be opportunities for those currently on the outside.

Barrett’s immediate focus will now be on continuing to push his case in training ahead of the upcoming clash with Ireland.

With 144 Test caps, two Rugby World Cup triumphs and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards already to his name, the veteran is facing a very different challenge at this stage of his career.

But if his reaction to being left out is anything to go by, Barrett has no intention of giving up his place without a fight.