Beauden Barrett to start at number 10 against Australia confirms All Blacks selector Grant Fox

New Zealand selector Grant Fox has confirmed that Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half in the Rugby Championship opening clash against Australia in Sydney next Saturday.

The decision also puts an end to the debate on the talented Richie Mo'unga, who was primed to take up the number 10 role following his impressive run for Crusaders.

Earlier, Australia head coach Michael Cheika said he expects Barrett to be the designated fly-half over Mo'unga and Fox further affirmed that the 24-year-old will need to wait for his chances.

“Beauden is the established 10 who has done nothing wrong in an All Blacks jersey, and we have done pretty well in the last little while with him steering the ship around,” he told RadioLIVE.

“Richie will get his opportunity – the only way for him to get the experience that Beauden has is to be given a run at some stage.”

Following the game in Sydney, the two teams will meet once again on 25th August in Auckland with the Bledisloe Cup 2018 in the line.