Rennie defends Barrett after 50th All Blacks try: 'People think he's past it'

Beauden Barrett silenced his critics with a two-try performance against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, becoming the first All Black to score 50 Test tries while equalling Richie McCaw’s record of 148 Test appearances.

The veteran fullback crossed on the half-hour mark after Damian McKenzie threaded a weighted pass through Scotland’s defence, then added a second from a sweeping backline move as McKenzie again found him in space to extend the lead to 15 points. Both finishes were set up by the All Blacks’ first-five, who started at ten in place of Barrett.

Head coach Dave Rennie was direct in addressing the scepticism that has surrounded Barrett’s form. “I know there are people out there thinking that he’s past it, but he’s in an environment here where we really value his experience,” Rennie said after the final whistle. “He’s a true professional. Like everyone wants to play, and even when he’s not playing, it’s hurting. He’s doing everything he can to help others and prepare the team well. And what we were confident in was that if he got his opportunity, he’d bar up in front.”

Rennie noted that Saturday’s display was not an isolated one, pointing to Barrett’s performances in provincial matches during the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa as the reason the coaching staff kept faith with him at fullback. “He played well at 15 for us in a couple of the provincial games in South Africa. So, obviously, it’s the reason we’ve left him at 15 and played Damian McKenzie at 10. He’s been excellent, and I’m really rapt for him. He’s an important part of this group.”

The head coach also reserved praise for Barrett’s younger brothers. Scott Barrett, returning from the four-Test series against the Springboks, drew particular credit for his work-rate. “He’s just got a big engine, a lot of unseen stuff around tackle and carry and clean, barge, which is our sort of counter-ruck type thing. So he’s been great,” Rennie said. Fabian Etzebeth’s fellow second row Jordie Barrett also featured in Rennie’s post-match assessment, with the coach highlighting the squad’s ability to field multiple locks capable of playing a full 80 minutes.