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'Still a bit of X factor': Muliaina backs All Blacks fullback switch
Sport Nation • October 9th, 2026 11:42 am
All Black Beauden Barrett has been training at fullback | Photo: Brett Phibbs
Mils Muliaina backs Beauden Barrett’s move to fullback, saying his experience and composure could provide vital stability as the All Blacks reshuffle their backline ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park on Saturday.
Barrett is set to start in the No. 15 jersey after injuries ruled Richie Mo’unga out of the series and Ruben Love out for the year.
Overqualified to comment after having played 85 of his 100 Tests in the custodian role, Muliaina said the selection made sense given Barrett’s recent opportunities to train and play there.
“You're not going to put someone in there if he hasn't sort of trained there,” he told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy.
“They've seen him at fullback and coming on at fullback in those few games that he has had over in South Africa.”
Sumo has a vibe about Beauden Barrett in Bledisloe Cup opener | Scotty & Izzy
While Muliaina initially expected Barrett to step in at first-five when Mo’unga was ruled out, he said coach Dave Rennie’s explanation about where Barrett had trained helped clarify the decision.
“Obviously when Richie Mo (announced he) was out, my first thought was you're looking at someone like Beauden to come in and steer the ship, but obviously with Rennie mentioning the fact that he hasn't really trained there, he's only just trained at fullback, it makes sense.
“His experience is so vital, particularly when you come back off a couple of losses in South Africa and you want that sort of stability.”
Barrett’s experience could be particularly valuable against a Wallabies side arriving with confidence after beating the Springboks, Muliaina added.
“You're coming into this game with the backing of the Wallabies on a real high. Obviously the fortress here at Eden Park, but you just can't buy experience and that's what Beauden will bring.
“There's still a bit of X factor in him as well. He hasn't played much in the All Blacks this year, but I still back the fact that his decision making and obviously his calmness as well, particularly around the guys in front of and will play a big part.”
Listen to the full interview below:
