RUNNING THE CUTTER: Beauden Barrett will make his first start in the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey against Argentina in Napier on Saturday.

Beauden Barrett’s All Blacks apprenticeship is finally over.

The Hurricanes first five-eighth will start in the No 10 jersey against Argentina in Napier on Saturday after a chest injury ruled out incumbent Aaron Cruden.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made three changes to the side that thrashed the Wallabies 51-20 at Eden Park on August 23, with Israel Dagg recalled at fullback and Ma’a Nonu restored to second five-eighth.

Barrett’s elevation marks a significant milestone for the talented Taranaki pivot after a long wait to finally take the controls of the test side.

The 23-year-old has started twice previously in his 21-test career, but both times at fullback, against Italy in 2012 and then against Japan last year.

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He has come off the reserves bench in 19 tests and often made a significant impact.

That’s created widespread curiosity about how he would go in a starting role in a major test, a scenario that has been, until now, blocked by Cruden’s outstanding form.

“Aaron could have played but the selectors weren’t prepared to take the risk of him re-injuring himself and being out for a long period,” Hansen said, in an indication Cruden will return to a starting role against South Africa in Wellington the following Saturday.

Barrett offers a contrasting style, but his skill set has the potential to be just as lethal in attack as the man he’s replacing.

Where Cruden likes to dart around the back field, Barrett is more direct with his running game and can create half breaks then offload in the tackle.

His challenge will be to control the test in what could be tricky, wet conditions. How he handles that tactical requirement will hold some intrigue for his coaches.

With Nonu outside him, Barrett will have an experienced voice with the blockbusting midfielder replacing the injured Ryan Crotty.

Further out, Dagg returns to fullback with Ben Smith pushed to the right wing where he was so lethal last season.

Dagg has been out of favour since being dropped before the opening test of the Rugby Championship.

The 26-year-old has not played since the opening June test against England, but has been given a chance to make a case for a permanent recall in front of his home crowd with Cory Jane given a week off.

“The selectors felt this was the right time to give Israel an opportunity,” Hansen said.

“We also want to make it clear that his selection is not a reflection on Cory Jane’s play, as we have been very happy with his performances.”

The backline reshuffle means Colin Slade comes onto a reserves bench that also features prop Joe Moody and lock Jeremy Thrush, who come in for Charlie Faumuina and Steven Luatua respectively.

Faumuina has been dropped for poor form, while the desire for a specialist lock against the big Pumas pack made Thrush an obvious choice considering Patrick Tuipulotu and Dominic Bird were both unavailable due to injury.

“There is a lot of respect for this Argentinean team. Their last two performances against South Africa have been right up there and shows that they are capable of beating top opposition,” Hansen said.

“The other challenge this week is on ourselves to repeat and improve on the performance against Australia.”

All Blacks: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Joe Moody, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Sam Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.