Rugby: All Blacks coach Dave Rennie explains why he didn't pick Scott Barrett as captain

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie says he wants Scott Barrett to focus on playing.The former skipper has again been named to start at lock for this weekend's clash with Wales in Cardiff, with his older brother Beauden to skipper the side in his 149th test.It will be Beauden's first time captaining the test team (he captained the All Blacks in a non-test match against the Barbarians in 2017), and he takes over from tour skipper Codie Taylor, who is filling in for the injured Ardie Savea.The Barrett brothers before a test.Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nzScott Barrett was the All Blacks captain under former coach Scott Robertson, but he's been largely excluded from leadership duties since he returned from back surgery in October for the Bledisloe Cup series. Rennie said the second rower didn't need the burden of being captain against Wales."I don't think he needs the extra responsibility," Rennie said."He's performed exceptionally well. We talked a lot about him leading from outside the leadership group."He has a big say in our lineout in attack and defence. He's going to be closer to the action than Beauden and want him communicating with the referee where possible. We just don't feel he needs the c next to his name and all the responsibility that goes with that."Scott Barrett, 32, has been impressive since rejoining the side, producing three strong performances in the two test wins over Australia last month and in last week's victory over Scotland. Rennie has made eight changes to his starting XV for the match, but Scott Barrett remains at lock alongside Josh Lord, who replaces Fabian Holland.Josh Lord will start at lock alongside Scott Barrett.www.photosport.nzWhile not ruling out a return as fill-in skipper in the future, Rennie believes Scott Barrett is thriving without the captaincy tag."My thinking always is when he comes back in is just let him settle in and focus on himself," Rennie said."He's going to naturally lead because that's a strength of his."Rennie said Scott Barrett's contribution since his return has been significant, and he's expecting more from the lock against Wales."His work ethic and his brutality has been fantastic for us. We're just trying not to burden him with any more responsibility. He's playing well. So we'll try and continue on with that."Rennie said Beauden Barrett has earned his first chance to captain the test team after a remarkable return to form. The 35-year-old wasn't picked for the first six tests of the year as he slipped down Rennie's pecking order, but he has been in good form since returning to the team for last month's tests against the Wallabies and scored two tries against Scotland last weekend.Beauden Barrett will captain the test team for the first time.www.photosport.nzHe will reunite with first-five Richie Mo'unga, who is back in the starting side after recovering from a leg injury. Mo'unga takes over from Damian McKenzie, who is being rested.Rennie said the older Barrett's resilience this season has been impressive."He was struggling to get an opportunity. The quality of the man, he's very much team-first and went out of his way to help others he was in competition with," Rennie said."He's been a really strong contributor to the legacy. He's got his opportunity and has played really well, and now gets an opportunity to lead his country."It's a great story, but so deserving. He's been awesome."