Beauden Barrett says he is developing his game thanks to the different styles of rugby he's facing from northern hemisphere opponents on the All Blacks' end of year tour.
The star first-five was asked by media today ahead of this weekend's clash against world No.2 Ireland if he was tested by European teams who play differently from what he sees in Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship.
Barrett replied he was using the challenge to grow.
"Weather conditions have a influence up here," he said.
"It's a great test. We're so used to playing quite an expansive game down in the southern hemisphere so it's always a test for a Kiwi flyhalf coming up here and experiencing something different."
Barrett said Sunday's 16-15 win over England was a prime example, where kicking proved to be a key skill in the match.
"We just had to get excited about controlling what we could control and get excited about chasing kicks instead of running with ball in hand.
"Often, the best offense in those conditions is our defence."
Barrett and the All Blacks now face Ireland, who rely less on kicking, on Sunday at 8am NZT in Dublin.
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