The Barrett brothers in light-hearted mood before the press on Monday. From left, Beauden, Scott and Jordie.

It is going to take more than that lightning Lions line-speed on defence to rattle Beauden Barrett. That much seems evident.

The man rated the finest player on the planet in 2016, and who has taken up where he left off in 2017 with the Hurricanes, gave every appearance as he launched preparations with the All Blacks in Auckland that the massive stakes and global attention of the looming series against the British and Irish Lions might be right up his alley.

Of course we all remember another All Black No 10 who rather rose to the challenge last time the finest from the four Home Unions visited these shores, in 2005. A Dan Carter second test masterpiece remains the abiding memory of that visit for most Kiwis, Barrett included.

These are indeed special times for the Barretts collectively, with a history-making trio of them together for the first time as fully fledged All Blacks in Auckland for Friday's Lions series shakedown test against Samoa.

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GETTY IMAGES Beauden Barrett says as a Hurricane he is well used to dealing with rushing defensive lines.

With all three – 26-year-old Beauden joined by 24-year-old Scott and 20-year-old rookie Jordie – being presented to the media on Monday, the banter was flowing freely. But it was down to Beauden to lend some stark seriousness to the situation when he was asked about the Lions' defensive line-speed that had given the Crusaders such fits on Saturday night.

After a stuttering first two matches, the Lions' tour came alive at AMI Stadium when they became the first team in 2017 to lower the Crusaders' colours. Undoubtedly, their smothering defensive pressure was a big part of that 12-3 victory, as the tourists rather reverted to the style that we had all come to expect from them.

Which is where Barrett's view came in. He was asked if there were ways to counteract that now trademark Lions line-speed, and his response was notable both for its brevity and promise of so much more to come.

"Playing for the Hurricanes, we all know we like to bring plenty of line-speed, so we train against that every day. So we do have a few ideas," he responded, with a hint of a knowing grin.

You got the impression he was tempted to say more, but wisely withheld. The All Blacks' response to that rushing line, as well as the visiting set piece, is going to be a big part of their success, or otherwise, in this series.

Not that Barrett was looking too far ahead at this stage. It was important to give Samoa due respect first up, and tick that box before moving on to the next one.

"What we can't do is panic that we have a limited amount of preparation," he added. "We actually have plenty of time. It is going to be a good hitout for us, and we know what's coming in terms of physicality and passion. We've got to be ready for that."

It's not about getting the Lions' attention either, Barrett emphasised.

"When we turn up on Friday night we can't be thinking of the Lions. It's us v Samoa, and that's 100 percent our focus. It's getting together as quick as we can."

Barrett was appropriately respectful when asked about his likely Lions opposite in Owen Farrell, but was more emphatic when the subject turned to his personal memories of tours past.

"I certainly remember the previous series in New Zealand and that Wellington game in particular. Certainly a guy I looked up to at the time, Dan Carter, his performance was exceptional.

"He set a huge standard in terms of performances in a Lions series, and whilst you're focused on your role and doing your best for the team, it's hard to look past those standout performances. You can only dream of those sort of games."

Barrett confirmed he was fully fit and ready to goalkick, if required. He'd been working hard on that, among other aspects of his game.

Scott, who is over ankle and knee problems that kept him out of the Crusaders' game against the tourists, had been impressed by what he saw in Christchurch.

"It was a dewy night and the Lions played to the conditions a bit better. They put us under pressure with their line-speed, and there were a few things around set piece we didn't quite get right. There were a few things we can take out of that going forward."

All apparently duly noted.