Berrick Barnes has become a household name in a short space of time. He has become the face of the Wallabies in two-and-a-half games and is now expected to deliver a World Cup title in the next three weeks.

It is a tribute to Australia's system of elevation and expectation that this young guy is in such a position.

Barnes will not fail for lack of ticker because he is made of the right stuff. He may fail for lack of experience and for this he should be forgiven.

He is stepping into the shoes of one of Australia's greatest playmakers, Stephen Larkham. This wasn't the plan three weeks, six months or even two years ago. Larkham was the man.

But at the bottom of the Wallaby selectors' draw was the plan they dreaded, the contingency to win without Larkham. Australia feared that Larkham would not go the distance and many believed, and probably still do, that the Wallabies' cup hopes are dashed without him.

The reality is not so stark. However, the problem is finding a like-for-like replacement. Larkham will be difficult to match and finding a suitable substitution may take years. He revolutionised the playmaker role with a sophisticated running game.

Larkham, one of the most intelligent rugby players in the last 15 years, made his name running and passing. He designed and massaged the playing structures that have dominated Australian rugby for the last 10 years.

He is also a great defender and fearless at the tackle contest. Larkham is a complete player in skill and attitude. When the Brumbies last won the Super 14 title it was on the back of his kicking game, the weakest aspect of his play.

Barnes is not going to make the same contribution, although he may match Larkham's 100 tests. Right now he is a burgeoning talent who has a couple of tests under his belt. However, Barnes still needs to be tested under real pressure from a quality team, a challenge he will soon face.

Barnes does offer a running and passing game in the same vein as Larkham, but not the same class, although it's getting better. He does have an astute kicking game, but whether this is an embedded skill or just flukey, time will tell.

I've admired Barnes's ability in the past fortnight to keep the Wallabies at the right end of the field with his kicking game. Add two drop goals from as many starts and it's apparent there's a transition taking place with the Wallabies' playmaker role and, ironically, the supporters like it.

Without being too critical, it's odd that many commentators are celebrating the diversity in the Wallabies' play with some even suggesting that Barnes may keep Larkham out of the team. This is a serious shift in mindset and proves that winning rugby is the most popular.

The Wallabies have craftily reinvented their game from a must run philosophy to a more diverse structure. Field position and driving play are celebrated not berated. Much has been said about the developing pack and their progress has been pleasing.

While the gains may not match the hype there is a completeness in the current playing style that has created enthusiasm and fun. Create fun and the players' hearts and minds will follow.

Should the career of Larkham be over it will be a frustrating finish for someone used to making things happen. Should Barnes carry the responsibility let's not compare him to his predecessor. Rugby is a diverse game that can be successfully played in many ways.

Let's enjoy winning and not judge Barnes too early. Larkham wasn't built in a day.