Beauden Barrett 'will tear England apart' if allowed to carry the ball freely - Stuart Barnes

Former England and Lions first five-eighth Stuart Barnes fears Beauden Barrett "will tear England apart" if the All Blacks star is allowed to carry the ball freely in their semifinal tomorrow. 

Barnes says England's best strategy to beat the All Blacks would be to deny Barrett as much of the ball as possible.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has placed Barrett at fullback, and Richie Mo'unga at first-five.

Barnes says England should take note of Barrett running skills just like his breakaway try in the first half against Ireland last week where he took advantage of the mix-up between Johnny Sexton and Rob Kearney.

He says if Barrett carries the ball for a longer period of time in tomorrow's semifinal, the England team are heading home.

England will face the All Blacks at 8pm tomorrow and Wales will play South Africa at 9pm Sunday.

Stuff.co.nz

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