Barrett admits bench role dented confidence but praises Rennie's honest communication

Beauden Barrett has admitted his restricted role during the All Blacks’ four-Test series against the Springboks took a toll on his confidence, but the 146-cap playmaker says honest dialogue with head coach Dave Rennie kept him grounded ahead of his return to the starting line-up.

Barrett featured for just 15 minutes across the entire series against the back-to-back World Champions, coming off the bench to score a try in the All Blacks’ 43-28 defeat in Baltimore. His fortunes shifted last week when Richie Mo’unga was ruled out of the first Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park with a training injury, pushing Damian McKenzie to No.10 and handing Barrett his first start under Rennie in 2026.

“It did challenge me mentally a little bit, not being selected and just feeling a little bit off the pace when you’re in the 23 or the 15, you’re in the thick of it,” Barrett said from the All Blacks’ Sydney hotel ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test. “You feel that flow, the connections, the combinations, and all of that.”

The Blues first-five acknowledged that confidence is closely tied to match rhythm and repetition. “That’s where a lot of confidence comes from. So, yeah, I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t affected me. But the important thing is just being able to bounce back, focus on what I do well, and be consistent whether I’m selected or not.”

Despite the frustration, Barrett was keen to stress that Rennie had been straightforward with him throughout. The coach had consistently praised the veteran’s training form across the eight Tests played so far in 2026, even when that form was not translating into selection.

“He was telling me that he’s liking how I’m training. He’s happy with my contribution, and it was clear that I wasn’t up the pecking order, so I had to really work for it or wait for my opportunity,” Barrett said. “The good thing is, we’re both honest with one another. We know where we stand, and there are no mixed messages.”

Barrett delivered a composed performance when his opportunity arrived at Eden Park, and will now look to build on that start as the All Blacks prepare to face Australia in Sydney.