Jordie Barrett's performance in midfield has left the All Blacks with decisions to ponder, after a stellar outing in their 40-14 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
With injuries ruling out both David Havili and Quinn Tupaea of the Rugby Championship finale, Barrett slotted seamlessly into the No.12 jersey.
Playing the full 80 minutes, Barrett ran for 81 metres on attack, creating eight turnovers and winning two tackles on defence.
Despite coach Ian Foster's preference for keeping the youngest Barrett brother at fullback, his display was just another string to the bow of a player who's now covered every backline position bar halfback and centre.
And with his name now also in the queue for a starting midfield slot, Barrett joins the likes of Havili, Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, as the clock ticks closer towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
For now, Barrett has put himself into his coach's thoughts in a position he's made no secret he sees his place.
"It's all about timing," said Foster. "He's deserved his chance to go in there.
"What a great athlete. He's played well for us at fullback and on the wing - and now he's played really well for us at 12.
"Certainly, he had a big impact last night. Plenty to think about."
Meanwhile, Foster also had praise for former NZ Warriors captain Tuivasa-Sheck.
After earning every opportunity in the black jersey, Tuivasa-Sheck made his second test appearance, with a late 10-minute cameo off the bench.
The league convert could count himself unlucky to be overlooked for Barrett to start, but Foster has previously urged the 29-year-old to be patient, as he continues to relearn the 15-man code.
A return to the NPC and Auckland looms for Tuivasa-Sheck, with Foster indicating his growth will be monitored.
"Pretty strong," Foster continued. "It's a big ask doing what he's doing, but he's making strong moves and we'll look to see that continue over the next month."
The All Blacks will have two weeks off, before a squad is named for the end-of-year tour, with matches against Japan, Wales, Scotland and England.
