All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett justified his selection ahead of Aaron Cruden, according to SARugbymag.co.za’s Opta-powered stats.

Barrett's outstanding Super Rugby form for the Hurricanes earned him the All Blacks No 10 jersey for Saturday's Rugby Championship match in Sydney. It was just his 10th start, and seventh at flyhalf, in his 40-Test career.

And the 25-year-old made the most of the opportunity to run the show for the All Blacks, who claimed a 42-8 win.

Barrett played the full 80 minutes, scoring a try, having a hand in another two, and kicking three conversions and two penalties for a 17-point haul.

He also made two clean breaks, beat five defenders and gained 95m from 13 carries.

The only blot on his copybook was two missed conversions and a penalty goal, but it mattered little as his side cruised to victory. 

More player and team statistics

Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images