Barrett brothers steal the show from rusty SBW

His big brother may hog the headlines, and the yellow cards, but Jordie Barrett is continuing to emerge as New Zealand rugby’s find of the Super Rugby season.

And a timely run it might just be too, with latest indications that his Hurricanes team-mate Nehe MilnerSkudder may not make it back on the park in enough time to prove his readiness for the British and Irish Lions series.

That could mean at least one key contender out of the mix among Steve Hansen’s All Black backfield options, and with Israel Dagg still roughly a month away from his return from a knee injury, Barrett the Younger’s breakout rookie campaign is proving more than encouraging fare.

Both Barretts were outstanding last night at Eden Park as the Canes inflicted yet more misery on Tana Umaga’s Blues with their fifth straight victory (28-24) over their Kiwi conference rivals to secure their sixth win of the season and improve to 28 points on the standings.

Beauden made the eye-popping plays but his little bro’ was excellent at the back, and then later in midfield when the shuffle went on, and barely put a foot wrong on a night of highpressure footy.

In a perfect world he doesn’t get rushed in to a big-time series like the Lions without a bit more experience under his belt. But what is fast becoming apparent is that if he is needed, he’s giving every indication of being ready. And his utility value is off the charts.

Last night Jordie’s positional play couldn’t be faulted, he was brave and accurate on defence and his attacking touches were, with one notable exception, crisp and on target.

He looks born for the game at this level, and one play in the second half where he managed to keep a touchfinder in play with his Inspector Gadget arms extended over the sideline, then offloaded for Beauden to find touch 60 metres upfield was a prime example of how valuable his skills can be. And how well these two Barrett play together.

"He’s got a great temperament, no doubt about that," Canes coach Chris Boyd said in an interview prior to the game. ‘‘He’s not Christian Cullen, but he’s very close, and has a great skillset for fullback."

Boyd was no less impressed afterwards: ‘‘In terms of experience he’s not much past zero, but he keeps delivering critical performances for us. I think he’s highly capable and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.’’

Still, even Jordie had to cede standout player honours to his big brother and world player of the year Beauden who picked up another yellow card, added a try and decided the game in the second half with a great piece of wizardry from deep in his half.

He’s not Christian Cullen, but he’s very close. Chris Boyd

‘‘He’s certainly responsible for moments,’’ said Boyd after the game. ‘‘We talked about the fact we needed to win some big moments, and he single-handedly does that. He regularly is responsible for 7-14 points each week and that’s a pretty good place to start.’’

Sonny Bill Williams wasn’t able to exert the same influence for the Blues in his first start of the season.

He did one or two good things, most notably a big run up the middle of the park in the first half, but was still short of his best.

"You saw what Sonny can bring to a team," Blues coach Tana Umaga said after the game.

"As well as the exciting breaks there’s also a bit of rustiness in his play. He’s only going to get better with more game-time.

‘‘This was his first start in a long time and it’s another progression in him getting back to his best."