Former Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan has lauded New Zealand out-half Beauden Barrett as the best number 10 on the planet at the moment.
The Hurricane's pivot starred for the All Blacks, scoring four tries, as the home side hammered their trans-Tasman rivals Australia, 40-12, at Eden Park on Saturday.
Quinlan joined Monday's OTBAM to review the match and told Ger, "The rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, even when I went down there in June - I talked to Australian people and they hate each other.
"The New Zealanders love nothing better than [to beat Australia] and at Eden Park on Saturday - the crowd just love beating Australia. They were sensational, to be fair. We've said it over a number of years how good they are."
👀 Here it is! @beaudenbarrett's record four tries against Australia. RT if you 🖤 seeing Beaudie score tries.#NZLvAUS #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/yBTiOzW04R
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 25, 2018
The form of Crusader's fly-half, Richie Mo'unga, had led some in Aoteoroa to question Barrett's starting position with the national side but Quinlan believes that debate has been ended now for the foreseeable future.
"I think his running pace and his decision making - it's just phenomenal. And you think a few weeks ago when Richie Mo'unga, the Crusaders fly half, who was outstanding in their run to winning the Super Rugby [title] - they beat the Hurricanes in the semi-final and he, kind of, overshadowed Barrett a little bit. But, as a 10, if your pack are [dominating] - it's what happens up front that's key.
"I don't think they'll move him [to centre] - when he plays, the pace he puts on to the ball is frightening and...he loves getting the ball in his hands early. He can make decisions and bring other guys into the game.
"I think he's undoubtedly the best out-half in the world - the best running out-half anyways. Sometimes the kicking game isn't always on the money but he's an incredible player - four tries he scored.
"And, they were sensational on turnovers and I think that's the most impressive thing."
Listen to Monday's OTBAM Podcast here:
