‘He’s a hell of a leader’ – Scott Robertson praises miracle making All Black Beauden Barrett after ‘class’ cameo
Split with All Blacks Beauden Barrett and head coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson admitted after the 24-17 win over England that he has options in how he can deploy centurion Beauden Barrett.
The veteran proved to be the difference on the day as his late cameo kicked the All Blacks into gear and ultimately inspired the decisive Mark Tele’a try. It was a sensational performance from a player who is clearly not done.
Game changer
The oldest of the Barretts also made a big impact in the first Test and is a very powerful asset for Robertson, who admits the experienced campaigner can be used successfully in a number of ways depending on the game.
“I think every Test match is different. Whether it’s off the bench or starting – he’s class. He can play at fly-half or full-back. He can slot straight in,” Robertson told reporters.
“You just know how valuable someone’s ability is, to do what he did and set us up.
“He’s a hell of a leader.”
Room to improve
The coach was delighted to have two wins from two but knows there is a lot of improvement required as the All Blacks head to San Diego to face Fiji before getting stuck into the Rugby Championship.
“Parts of our game can be way more efficient. We’ll take the wins, but we have got to be better. That’s our mindset,” he added.
“We have to finish our opportunities at the start, we took the pressure off and that’s not part of our DNA – we nail those normally.”
Barrett himself revealed that it did help that he could see from the bench where he might be able to influence the game but instinct takes over on the park.
“Ultimately, when you get out there it’s on pure instinct,” he said.
“To be fair, it came down to the wire.”
It may not have been the most perfect series victory but Robertson’s men got the job done and there is plenty the All Blacks can build on.
