Barrett said the last two Tests against Scotland had been tight.
"I made that clear to the team by sharing a couple of my experiences in recent Test matches here and how difficult it is to play the Scottish at home. That's exactly what we're expecting."
Barrett is also aware of rival Finn Russell's ability.
"I admire Finn, always have. I love the way he plays with freedom; it is almost like he's not worried about anything. That's probably why you see the brilliance. It's like he's got nothing to lose and plays with zero care and a lot of freedom.
"So often that relates to me in the way that, or that's how I play my best footy too, having that expectation, or that feeling of freedom. He epitomises it."
Flanker Wallace Sititi is starting on the blindside of the scrum, and because of spending some time in his youth in Scotland when his father was playing in the Borders region, he is excited for the opportunity.
He could have been born in Scotland, but his mother's father was ill back in Samoa, and she flew back to be with him.
"My dad was not present at my birth in Samoa, so he named me after William Wallace because he loved the movie Braveheart. My parents thought William was a bit too common as a first name, so he ended up with Wallace.
"[Scotland] has a strong connection for myself and my family. It's been a special feeling being back here and experiencing it. Two or three weeks after my birth my mum flew back here so I spent the early years of my life here. I don't remember too much so, in a sense, this is my first time in Scotland."
He has talked to his father about what to expect from Scotland.
"He mentioned loud, passionate fans, passionate players, a quality side that is well coached and has quality across their team list.
"We're going to expect their best like they always bring, and we'll be at our best too."
Coach Scott Robertson acknowledged the unbeaten record against Scotland since their game in 1905.
"That motivates you, and appropriate fear comes with it. Both can lift you if you can use fear in a good way.
"We've touched on it, but we want to play footy and come here and show what the All Blacks are all about, and enjoy the occasion."
Since their last Bledisloe Cup game in Perth, the players have had a good conditioning window. Some players have had only one game and will be fresh to face Scotland's challenge.
"Scotland likes to hold position and challenge you. They've got a lot of options in their attack, and they all know their roles clearly, so they're a threat in that regard and with the ball in hand."
Having lost their captain [Scott Barrett] and one of their vice-captains [Jordie Barrett], it is important to play guys with experience.
Robertson said Russell's control and direction will test the All Blacks.
"I know Finn from the Christchurch days when he came down and went to Lincoln University, and he was brilliant on and off the field. He still is and can run the show.
"I am impressed with his longevity in the game, and he's probably improved with age and maturity. He plays the game with so much freedom, and his technical kicking is special as well. He's got a great all-round game.
"The Lions players will come in with a lot of confidence and we respect them with our preparation."
Ireland defends differently, and the All Blacks are ready for their approach.
"We've played a few teams that have had league defence this year, namely France, so we're aware of how high they tackle. It's a little different, so we plan for that."
In the loose forwards, the All Blacks have rested flanker Simon Parker with Wallace Sititi starting in his place. Ardie Savea on the flank and Peter Lakai at No8 are retained while Du'Plessis Kirifi is cover from the bench.
"After performances last week, we believe it is a good opportunity to go with this combination."
Lock Sam Darry also joins the bench after showing his resilience when returning to play through Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC.
"He had a tough run with back-to-back knee and shoulder injuries. He's played well in the Blues and then for Canterbury, he's been great. He started straight in and being on tour with us last year has helped."
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TEAMS:
All Blacks (Test caps in brackets)
1. Ethan de Groot (38) 2. Codie Taylor (104) (Vice-Captain) 3. Fletcher Newell (32) 4. Josh Lord (9) 5. Fabian Holland (10) 6. Wallace Sititi (16) 7. Ardie Savea (104) (Captain) 8. Peter Lakai (6) 9. Cam Roigard (15) 10. Beauden Barrett (142) (Vice-Captain) 11. Caleb Clarke (31) 12. Quinn Tupaea (22) 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku (9) 14. Leroy Carter (4) 15. Will Jordan (51)
IMPACT: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (40) 17. Tamaiti Williams (24) 18. Pasilio Tosi (13) 19. Sam Darry (6) 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (6) 21. Cortez Ratima (19) 22. Billy Proctor (9) 23. Damian McKenzie (71)
Scotland
15. Blair Kinghorn; 14. Darcy Graham; 13. Rory Hutchinson; 12. Sione Tuipulotu; 11. Kyle Steyn; 10. Finn Russell; 9. Ben White; 1. Pierre Schoeman; 2. Ewan Ashman; 3. D’Arcy Rae; 4. Scott Cummings; 5. Grant Gilchrist; 6. Gregor Brown; 7. Matt Fagerson; 8. Jack Dempsey.
IMPACT: 16. George Turner; 17. Rory Sutherland; 18. Elliot Millar Mills; 19. Marshall Sykes; 20. Rory Darge; 21. Josh Bayliss; 22. Jamie Dobie; 23. Tom Jordan
