OPINION: If you're good enough, you're old enough. Or, put another way, if you're Jordie Barrett, you're assuredly ready for whatever Steve Hansen has planned for you.

The big question is does the extraordinarily talented Hurricanes utility back make it as a traditional "bolter" for the June/July test series against the British and Irish Lions? Or does the All Blacks coach play the longer game with a 20-year-old still taking his baby steps in the world of professional rugby?

My hunch at this stage would be he won't be thrown to the Lions mid-winter; but instead introduced more judiciously, maybe as a fully-fledged member of the end-of-year tour squad, but possibly earlier. Injuries, of course, could always alter the most carefully thought-out of plans.

Barrett is assuredly an All Black in waiting. That's now a given. We had a fair idea of that last year when Hansen took him on his November tour as an "apprentice". Now we know it for sure after witnessing with our own eyes his impressive introduction to Super Rugby.

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​The lad, you could say, is born for it. The younger brother of star All Blacks first five-eighth Beauden and Crusaders lock/loosie Scott (who played his first four tests on that same tour last November) has excitement written all over him.

His performance in last weekend's Hurricanes victory over the Highlanders in the capital showcased all that is exhilarating about him. He mixed the gritty (try-saving tackles in the corner) with the pretty (an exquisite behind-the-back pass that put Matt Proctor in for a score) and even put in a Beauden-style pinpoint crosskick that served up Ngani Leaumape's first five-pointer. He had it on a string.

The fact the kid has just turned 20 (in February), can play fullback, midfield, 10 and even wing at a pinch, is exquisitely tall (1.96m) and equally athletic and seems to have a temperament to take it all in his loping stride just makes his inevitable introduction to test rugby even more exciting.

But how soon is too soon?

I'd be surprised if Hansen has any "bolters" in his squad to face the Lions, and that may mean Barrett waits a little longer for the chance to become part of the first trio of brothers to ever take the field together for the All Blacks.

The Lions is no series to experiment, or to take a peek at the future. The stakes are so high, physicality so immense, competition so pure that it would be a major surprise if Hansen veered far from the tried and tested in June and July.

That's just common sense, even if the All Blacks coach has never been scared to make a judicious roll of the dice in the past.

So maybe Jordie's Lions experience is confined to the Hurricanes matchup on June 27. Laumape too, though he has already revealed himself as an exciting and powerhouse option in the No 12 jersey and would be another "bolter" worthy of the name.

Hansen has built up a deep reservoir of talent over the last few years and will be reluctant to veer far from that for the Lions. These tours only roll round every 12 years these days, and are surpassed only by World Cups in status. The future-proofing can wait, injury permitting, till later in the year.

But be patient. Jordie Barrett's time is approaching fast. Brace yourself, because it could be something very special indeed.

Top five big movers in Super Rugby

Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)

In one 80-minute extravaganza against the Highlanders the kid showcased exactly why he will be an All Black sooner rather than later. Whether it was behind-the-back passes for try assists, pinpoint crosskicks for more try assists or desperation, try-saving tackles in the corner, the youngster exuded class. Nehe Milner-Skudder's injury has fast-tracked the inevitable. He's here, and he might just be better than advertised.

Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes)

The former Warrior has made a brilliant start to the 2017 season and taken ownership of the No 12 jersey. His power running and tackle-breaking ability is already drawing comparisons to Ma'a Nonu (just ask Ben Smith how difficult he is to bring down). Hansen will want to see a lot more, but he must at least now be in the midfield conversation.

Scott Barrett (Crusaders)

Beauden and Jordie may have the razzle-dazzle, but the big grunter of the litter continues to find his own way in a dominant Crusaders pack. Doesn't shirk the work and looks to be adding to his repertoire every time he runs out. Showcased an ability to switch from lock to blindside against the Force and is a hot contender to nail down a backup second-row spot for the Lions.

Dominic Bird (Chiefs)

Let's not forget this 2013-14 All Black tourist is still only 25. Has had some issues with injury and form, but looks to be back to his best in 2017 and revelling in his twin-towers second-row combination with the best lock on the planet, Brodie Retallick. Big Bird has some competition but in this form might only be an injury away from a national recall.

George Moala (Blues)

It was team-mate Rieko Ioane who made the first big statement in the Blues midfield. But since his opening-round hat-trick in Melbourne the youngster has gone quiet. Instead it's been Moala making all the noise of late, with his powerhouse display against the Crusaders at No 12 reminding us all what a force he can be with the right ball to run on to.