Beauden Barrett has opened up on an injury which has been plaguing him for two months, still feeling the effects of a head knock suffered on 2021's northern tour.
The All Blacks first-five copped a blow to the head in New Zealand's loss to Ireland in Dublin in November, ruling him out of the following test - the defeat to France in Paris.
Barrett was out and about in Auckland on Thursday, booting balls into the Viaduct as part of a sponsor's flugtag event.
"They build all sorts of craft and fly off the wharf and see who can fly the longest over water, and that landing spot," Barrett says.
"I landed my ball at 55 metres, so if they can beat that, I'd be so impressed."
But that's as much kicking as Barrett's doing at the moment, making the most of his time off with his young family.
"This time last year I was in Japan playing for Suntory, so it's nice to have a sunny summer in New Zealand - and it's the first one with [daughter] Billie, so she's also enjoying it."
Speaking exclusively to Newshub, Barrett says he's still struggling just over a month out from the start of the Super Rugby season.
And while he's still on holiday for another few weeks, the 30-year-old adds he's feeling the effects of the injury.
"[I'm] still sort of getting over a few ongoing issues from the Irish game," Barrett continues. "I'm taking it very lightly, and will hopefully get on top of it soon.
"But I've certainly had a well-rested time off."
Those issues being concussion, which also ruled him out of the loss to France in Paris a week later.
It's not the first time Barrett's battled head problems, having also suffered one in 2018.
But while the defeat in Dublin was almost two months ago, Barrett believes he'll be right to join the Blues early next month ahead of Super Rugby Pacific kicking off.
"I'm pretty confident I'll get back for the start of the season," he adds. "At the moment, [I'm] just taking it very lightly."
Until then though, kicking balls into the Viaduct will have to do.
The Blues open their Super Rugby Pacific campaign on February 18, taking on newcomers Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium.
