OPINION: Let the debate begin.
Richie Mo'unga's stellar Super Rugby season has led to some calls of an immediate elevation to the All Blacks number 10 jersey.
That would mean relegating the reigning two-time world rugby player of the year to the bench.
- Wallabies are Bledisloe Cup favourites – Steve Hansen
- All Blacks in 'no rush' to drop Beauden Barrett
Yes, Beauden Barrett wasn't quite at his best the last two months of the season - but give him that so-called Rolls Royce forward pack, and he creates magic.
Newshub's rugby heads are certainly leaning one way on who the best option is - and it may surprise you.
Henry Rounce, RadioLIVE sports reporter
It's got to be Beauden Barrett.
There's no doubt Mo'unga is the flavour of the month, and deservedly so, after another masterful campaign with the Crusaders. He's got a cool head, controls the game perfectly, and has an electric running game - although he's still untested in the international arena.
It's easy to focus in on Barrett's recent struggles, and forget about his brilliant performances in the past. He's one of the quickest on the park, a true game-changer, and he remains the jammiest player in world rugby with his ability to get a room service bounce every time.
The 'Canes playmaker may have his faults, but his experience at Test level - and his pure explosiveness - means he should have first dibs on the No.10 jersey.
Mike McRoberts, Newshub 6pm presenter
Being such a staunch Cantabrian, can I just say what an absolute delight it's been to watch Richie Mo'unga direct the Crusaders through to another Super Rugby championship.
He's undoubtedly been the outstanding five-eighth of the competition, but do I think he'll replace Barrett for the All Blacks? No.
But I wouldn't mind betting he gets a start somewhere in the Rugby Championship - and then watch out world.
John Day, RadioLIVE sport reporter
I've been a Crusaders fan since day one, and Richie Mo'unga is in tremendous form - but Beauden Barrett is the man who deserves to start in the No.10 jersey against the Wallabies.
The Hurricanes first-five has been brilliant at Test level for two years, and that's got to count for something.
Craig Norenbergs, Newshub sport reporter and Wallabies fan
As an Aussie, I want the Wallabies to face Beauden Barrett in the Bledisloe Tests.
Let's face it, he's stuck the dagger into our hearts so many times, we owe him one.
I'm also going to pay him my highest accolade: he reminds me of Stephen Larkham. They are both unlikely heroes - they look more like choir boys than rugby players - but they somehow find a way to win games.
Mo'unga plays like a rugby league five-eighth, and lacks the classy touches of Barrett.
Ollie Ritchie, Newshub sport reporter
Barrett keeps the No.10 jersey.
Super Rugby form is a funny thing when it comes to the All Blacks, and in particular Steve Hansen rewarding it.
There's no question Crusaders pivot Richie Mo'unga has been the form first-five in Super Rugby - he's run a masterclass for the Crusaders this year.
But let's not forget the class Barrett possesses, and the lack of experience Mo'unga has at international level. Mo'unga has some way to go to get to that point, and make no mistake, his current run of form is a good way to go about getting more experience at international level.
Finally, I don't buy this "Rolls Royce pack" line from Hansen. Yes, the Crusaders forward pack is truly special - it is pretty much the All Blacks pack - but Mo'unga is class with or without them.
Why not instead of crediting the Crusaders' pack for Mo'unga's form, credit the man himself.
He's Super Rugby's player of the year, without question.
Newshub.
