All Blacks star Beauden Barrett may have thought he could avoid the week-in, week-out physical pounding of Super Rugby Aotearoa this year - but he couldn't avoid Ethan Blackadder.
Earlier this year, the two-time World Player of the Year invoked the sabbatical clause of his NZ Rugby contract to turn out for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japan Top League, a move no doubt designed to prolong his playing career, while also earning some tidy coin on the side.
But he has quickly learnt that the All Blacks represent a totally different level of intensity, even at training, where you're pitched against teammates intent on improving their place in the pecking order.
Barrett has been named to start at his preferred first-five spot against Fiji in Dunedin on Saturday, after coming off the bench against Tonga last weekend.
His selection is a chance to push his claims in a head-to-head battle with Richie Mo'unga for the prized No.10 jersey, but Mo'unga's Crusaders cohort has welcomed Barrett back to the fold, with a reminder that reputations count for nothing in this environment.
The 89-test veteran has fronted for the team-naming media conference with two impressive shiners, courtesy of rugged rookie Blackadder, selected for his first start at openside flanker against the Pacific Islanders.
"They're pretty good," he assured his audience. "They're starting to bleed out a bit and should be good to go on Saturday.
"I was warned about Ethan Blackadder, when he first came into camp and found out about that pretty quick. Between him and the big man next to me [Brodie Retallick], you've got to stay well clear of them at training."
The much-lauded son of an inspirational All Blacks captain, Blackadder, 26, also made his debut for his country against Tonga, coming off the bench for an eye-catching cameo, and now gets his chance to push for a more fulltime role in the forward rotation.
"I've been very impressed with him, since he's been in here," admits Barrett, who also suffered a blood nose in close contact on Saturday. "For a young guy, he's on top of his game, when it comes to preparation and he asks the right questions.
"He's into everything on the park and it's great to see."
Barrett has been outspoken in his desire to wear the No.10 jersey, rather than operate as a dual playmaker from fullback, a role he has inheritted, as successive All Blacks coaches try to shoehorn two outstanding first-fives into the same line-up.
That rivalry has been played up as a potentially divisive element, as second-year coach Ian Foster tries to put his own stamp on this All Blacks dynasty.
"I don't read too much or listen to too much," says Barrett. "What I know is we've got a healthy competition here and whoever's starting, we always try to make each other better and prepare each other for the weekend.
"That won't change in the weeks to come and ultimately, it's about being the best for the team and healthy competition is great in this team."
After starting last week, Mo'unga is listed among the reserves for the first of two outtings against the Fijians.
All Blacks: 1-George Bower, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu, 5-Brodie Retallick, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Ethan Blackadder, 8-Hoskins Sotutu, 9-Aaron Smith (c), 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-George Bridge, 12-David Havili, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Jordie Barrett
Reserves: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Ethan de Groot, 18-Tyrel Lomax, 19-Sam Whitelock, 20-Luke Jacobson, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Damian McKenzie, 23-Will Jordan
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Fiji test
