26 May 2014

Barrett leading charge for All Blacks first five jersey

11:26 am on 26 May 2014

It appears the Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden will have to impress in next weekend's round of Super Rugby if he's to start for the All Blacks in the first Test against England.

Cruden returned from a broken thumb with 25 minutes off the bench in Saturday night's 45-8 hiding from the Hurricanes.

The All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says they'll wait to see how Cruden performs against NSW next weekend.

Beauden Barrett is yet to start a Test at first-five, but Ian Foster likes what they've seen from him at the Hurricanes this season.

The All Blacks squad for the first Test will be named next Sunday.