COOL HEAD: Beauden Barrett is a picture of calmness as he poses on the Napier beachfront yesterday, ahead of the test against Argentina.

Replacing injured Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett is a promising starter in the No 10 jersey against Argentina.

It takes plenty to rattle Beauden Barrett.

The 23-year-old first five-eighth has forged a reputation for his calmness under pressure during his brief, but already impressive professional career.

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The son of a Taranaki farmer seems so laid back at times he’s in danger of being horizontal. Bare feet, a dry wit, and a healthy perspective on life are his trademark traits.

And so it is significant that in Napier this week, Barrett strikes a more focused, slightly anxious, character ahead of his first chance to wear the All Blacks coveted No 10 jersey.

“I might come across pretty calm, but everyone feels that little bit of pressure at times,” he said after being named ahead of an injured Aaron Cruden for the Rugby Championship test against Argentina tomorrow.

“I guess I’m excited at that little bit of pressure I’m feeling too. It’s a great opportunity and I’ll turn that into excitement the closer we get to kick off.

“The aim is to stay calm all the time and composed, which is what I’ve been doing this week.

“But as much as I’d like to say no, the fact is [I am nervous] because you are there doing it, driving the team from the start whereas when you are the reserve 10 you are sort of in a sit-back role… it’s a little more intense this week.”

Barrett’s task is an imposing one.

Starting at first five-eighth for the the All Blacks is a bit like a young pilot taking the controls of a Formula 1 race car.

It’s a powerful, fine-tuned machine, but needs a skilful and composed driver to perform at its best. There is no room for panic as it speeds through a chicane at breakneck speed.

It’s worth recalling Cruden’s starting debut in Sydney in 2010. After five bright cameos, the Manawatu pivot endured a difficult night that ended with Colin Slade guiding the All Blacks to an uncomfortable 23-22 win over the Wallabies.

Barrett faces a similar challenge.

Like Cruden, he is an instinctive player. He must balance those natural instincts with the awareness of what’s going on around him.

Variables such as a wet pitch, Argentina’s tight rushing defence, a deep or shallow back three, and the success or otherwise of the All Blacks set piece, will all be factors in how adventurous Barrett can afford to be.

He is no rookie. There have been two previous test starts, both at fullback, and 19 others via the reserves in his preferred position.

On debut he replaced Cruden after just 24 minutes against Ireland in 2012 and oversaw a massacre as the All Blacks ran up 60 points.

Ever since, fans have wondered what Barrett could do with a full 80 minutes to spark the attack. His express pace gives him an ability to slip through half gaps and off load at the defensive line and with Ma’a Nonu outside him he has a perfect foil.

It seems unlikely Barrett can wrest the starting duties away from Cruden with one performance, but his talent suggests a regular test starting spot is only a matter of time.

One of his biggest learnings has been to implicitly trust those around him, players with vast test experience like halfback Aaron Smith and midfielders Nonu and Conrad Smith.

“We rely on outside communication quite a bit and expect them to make the right call and we trust it,” Barrett said.

“If we go against what they’re saying it brings in doubt, so whatever they decide I have to commit to it and go 100 per cent. That’s the difference [between success and failure] at times.”

A case in point was when he set off on a counter attack from behind his posts during the Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park. What looked like a rash decision was anything but.

“In my mind I was going to kick, but Aaron Smith was inside screaming at me to run or pass. It’s those small things that can pick up a team or make a huge difference to your mindset.”

Barrett’s is usually an attacking one.

If he gets off to a good start, stays composed, and gets some front foot ball, Argentina’s defence could be the only thing rattling at McLean Park.