The elevation of Barrett ahead of star loose forward Ardie Savea to replace Sam Cane as the permanent leader was hardly a shock, as new coach Scott "Razor" Robertson went for his trusted former Crusaders lieutenant.
The selections of a couple of other members of the 32-strong squad, however, caused much hubbub in the rugby community.
Rising loose forward Wallace Sititi has leapt from Super Rugby rookie with the Chiefs to All Black in double-quick time, while Pasilio Tosi completes a fairytale journey from Southland Stags No 8 to test prop.
Robertson, who looked unusually nervous at times yesterday as he stood before the microphone to talk about his first squad, said captaining the All Blacks was a big responsibility, and the position was about mana and respect.
While Barrett’s regular run-ins with referees have been highlighted as a concern in the past, the grunty lock’s class and physicality always made him a firm candidate for the role.
"I’ve got a long-standing relationship with Scott", Robertson said.
"He’s tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he’s got the respect of the players and the coaches. He will be a great leader in the black jersey."
Barrett’s younger brother, midfielder Jordie, and Savea will be vice-captains.
Scott Barrett, 30, will become the 81st man to captain the All Blacks in a test when he earns his 70th cap against England at Forsyth Barr Stadium on July 6.
"I’m hugely honoured and grateful for the opportunity to captain the All Blacks", Barrett said.
"I’m excited about what’s ahead. I understand it’s a huge job, and there’s a lot of pressure that goes with it."
Unexpectedly, Barrett is one of only three locks named as the All Blacks begin life without the great pairing of Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock.
He is joined by Blues captain Patrick Tuipolotu, who was expected to be unavailable through injury before making a fairytale comeback for the Blues, and the Chiefs’ Tupou Vaa’i.
George Bell is the other new face in the forwards.
The Crusaders hooker, who was raised in an East Otago farming family and educated at John McGlashan College, is more of a face for the future but has pipped Blues workhorse Ricky Riccitelli for what will likely be a development role.
Chiefs halfback Cortez Ratima gets a widely tipped call-up to join the recalled TJ Perenara and Finlay Christie, and in-form Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor is the final newcomer.
Great excitement surrounds Sititi, whose form was so compelling it could not be ignored.
It may be risky to throw him into the den against a powerful England squad but, Savea aside, it is a relatively fresh All Blacks loose forward squadron without Cane and Shannon Frizell.
Ethan Blackadder was always going to be a Robertson favourite, although it is a surprise Luke Jacobson has got the nod over resurgent Blues No 8 Hoskins Sotutu or the Hurricanes pairing of Brayden Iose and Peter Lakai.
Tosi’s story is as heart-warming as it is unexpected.
The son of Levin vegetable growers, he began life at Horowhenua College before spending three years in the Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV, then joining the Southland academy.
After drifting with the Stags, he played for the China Lions in the Rapid Rugby competition before being brought home by Bay of Plenty and thriving with the Hurricanes.
Tosi has size but also mobility, and shapes as a special project for All Blacks forwards guru Jason Ryan.
There are seven Crusaders in the squad — a decent number, considering the team’s collapse, but not so many it has raised wild conspiracy theories — while prop Ethan de Groot is the lone Highlander.
Robertson clearly cannot wait for his first test in Dunedin.
"We’ve picked players who can play a style for the All Blacks to win in 2024, and as coaches we will prepare them to take the opportunity when it comes.
"We know the fans will be in the stands for the first test down in Dunners under the roof."
He also sent a message of condolence and support to the family of Highlanders outside back Connor Garden-Bachop, who died suddenly last week.
Crusaders and Otago prop George Bower, Crusaders utility David Havili, Blues lock Sam Darry and Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love will assemble with the All Blacks tomorrow as cover.
All Blacks squad
Hookers: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), George Bell (Crusaders). Props: Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders). Locks: Scott Barrett (Crusaders, captain), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs). Loose forwards: Ardie Savea (Japan), Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Dalton Papali’i (Blues), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs). Halfbacks: Finlay Christie (Blues), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs). First fives: Beauden Barrett (Japan), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs). Midfield backs: Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes). Outside backs: Stephen Perofeta (Blues), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Mark Tele’a (Blues).
The new boys
Age: 23.
Physical: 1.79m, 87kg.
The oil: Had a sound season in Hamilton and benefits from the season-ending injury to Cameron Roigard.
Age: 22.
Physical: 1.83m, 107kg.
The oil: The highly rated hooker has largely played a back-up role at the Crusaders but is seen as one for the future. Grew up in East Otago and boarded at John McGlashan College. Brother Henry is the Highlanders hooker.
Age: 25.
Physical: 1.87m, 97kg.
The oil: Already a vastly experienced player and was remarkably consistent in 2024. Does a bit of everything well. Younger brother of one-test All Black Matt Proctor.
Age: 21.
Physical: 1.87m, 113kg.
The oil: If you are good enough, you are old enough. The robust loose forward was the revelation of the season for the Chiefs. Father Semo captained Manu Samoa.
Age: 25.
Physical: 1.93m, 140kg.
The oil: A bigger bolter than Sititi. Tosi passed through Southland after attending Rotorua Boys’ High School and has clearly impressed forwards coach Jason Ryan since joining the Hurricanes. A big body in the front row.
hayden.meikle@odt.co.nz , Sports editor
