Beauden Barrett believes former Sharks coach John Plumtree has the potential to replace Steve Hansen at the helm of the All Blacks after this year.

Hansen recently confirmed that he would be stepping down from his post as head coach after this year’s World Cup, affording New Zealand Rugby the time to carefully consider a succession plan.

Barrett, who is coached by Plumtree at the Hurricanes, confirmed his assertion that the ex-Sharks coach would be a strong candidate.

‘He certainly has the potential,’ Barrett told Newshub. ‘He’s a great coach from the number of years I’ve had with him, so I certainly wouldn’t write him out.

‘Plum’s obviously a passionate guy and cares a lot about the team and the players. There’s already been a lot of change around the park and the facilities. I think that’s refreshing, and we needed it.’

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