Wednesday 5 July 2017 22:22, UK
Sean Fitzpatrick thinks Jordie Barrett is the best player in New Zealand, as the 20-year-old prepares to make his full debut for Saturday's series decider against the British and Irish Lions, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7.30am.
Barrett joins Ngani Laumape in being selected for a first start for New Zealand, while Julian Savea also returns to the side to face Warrren Gatland's Lions.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Fitzpatrick praised New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen's team selection and highlighted the inclusion of Hurricanes full-back Barrett, while also revealing there have been some "punch-ups" at training as the intensity continues to build.
"They've picked a very strong team. You can feel the intensity around here. It's almost like a World Cup final," he said.
"I think Jordie Barrett at 15 - the young kid at just 20-years-old - is probably the best player in New Zealand at the moment I think. He's also got that kicking option at goal.
"I think they've gone for a bit of experience to sure up Jordie Barrett and Laumape coming in at 12. Those are the changes.
"The All Blacks will just do what they do. The intensity within the camp this week - I was speaking to one of the selectors earlier in the week and there's been a couple of little punch-ups at training.
"He said he likes that sort of thing. So the intensity is huge. This is a massive game."
The 54-year-old admitted he expects the hosts to win the series but stressed the quality of both sides, ahead of the crucial clash.
"We said last week these are the two best teams in the world and I think we saw that. This Saturday it is just going to go to another level," he added.
"Everybody wanted it to be 1-1. Great, fantastic. We had a lovely week. We now expect the All Blacks to win and I think he's picked that team."
