All Blacks reflect on a tough first outing in the Rugby World Cup 2015 against Argentina.

OPINION: Wayne Barnes had a blinder in the middle as the All Blacks began their Rugby World Cup campaign with a scratchy victory.

When the refereeing appointments were made prior to the tournament, people lost all brain function and started worrying about the Barnes-effect in the Argentinian opener, and more importantly the All Blacks' inevitable quarterfinal appearance.

The fact people still have concerns over Barnes because of one crucial error made eight years ago is ridiculous.

GETTY IMAGES Wayne Barnes was superb as New Zealand took on Argentina at Wembley.

We don't worry about how many friends we have on Myspace any more, do we? We've moved on. Things have changed.

Barnes is now one of the best referees in the world. If England fail to make the final, Barnes will be one of two or three men considered for the biggest job in rugby.

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On Monday morning Barnes proved again that he is the best communicator with a whistle in world rugby, and he made the right calls in yellow carding three players in the first half of the All Blacks' tournament opener against Argentina.

The first was to Argentinian flanker Pablo Matera in the ninth minute when he brought down Aaron Smith in an offside position.

It's a tactic the All Blacks have used to their advantage for a while now, taking quick taps when they earn a penalty close to the line, pressuring the defence into making a choice.

GETTY IMAGES Referee Wayne Barnes shows Richie McCaw a yellow card for tripping Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe.

Tackle the player and earn a yellow card for a professional foul, or allow the man to run and potentially score a try untouched.

Matera did the right thing for his team and brought Aaron Smith to ground, and Barnes did the right thing in reaching for his right pocket to send Matera to the bin.

The second yellow card was more complicated, not because of the decisions, but because it was the television match official who alerted Barnes to the infringement.

When Argentina won a penalty at ruck time, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe took a trick from Aaron Smith's book and went for a quick tap to catch the All Blacks off guard.

Richie McCaw, sitting on the ground after the aforementioned ruck, stuck out his right leg to trip Fernandez Lobbe, which forced a hurried pass to Juan Imhoff, which the winger knocked on.

Barnes didn't spot the trip, but the TMO did and alerted Barnes. Moments later McCaw was heading for the sideline, and rightly so.

The best part of that call was that Barnes kept the TMO intervention short and precise. They exchanged thoughts briefly, the incident was quickly up on the big screen and then Barnes carded McCaw.

He didn't ask for multiple replays, slowing the game and giving the players a 10 minute break.

Seven minutes later Barnes was on the spot again to send Conrad Smith from the field for having his hands in the ruck.

Imhoff was involved again, breaking through the All Blacks defence to have his side dangerously placed inside the New Zealand 22m.

The All Blacks were out numbered as they retired to an on-side position, and had Argentina got quick ball they could well have scored a try.

Conrad Smith made sure that wouldn't happen, stepping through a scrappy ruck before trying to pick up the ball. It couldn't have been more obvious he had his hands in the ruck.

That's the kind of refereeing we want in the World Cup. Quick, accurate and to the point.

Don't worry about Barnes if the All Blacks face France in the quarterfinals.

Barnes has drawn a line in the sand as far as infringing goes. Now it's up to the All Blacks not to cross it when it matters most.

RUGBY WORLD CUP ZONE:

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