Scott Barrett: ‘I actually got told to stop picking on half-backs’
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett alongside Wallabies scrum-half Nic White.
Every player loves to get back at those pesky scrum-halves but, for All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, they are now off limits.
It follows his clash with wind-up merchant Nic White last year where the second-row was seen shushing the Wallabies half-back.
Barrett admitted that he got a “little bit excited” in that Rugby Championship encounter, and it resulted in him being admonished, albeit the second-row didn’t reveal by who.
“Yeah, I got a little bit excited in that game, and post that I actually got told to stop picking on half-backs!” he said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
Sorting out irritating backs
Usually, the best way of dealing with annoying opponents is physically – in a legal way of course – and Barrett revealed who his most aggressive team-mates have been.
The second-row discussed the players you don’t want to be facing when at a ruck, with an All Blacks centurion at the top of the list.
“Historically, it would be Brodie Retallick,” Barrett said. “He would zero in on you if you were over the ball. That’s how he’s made his mark on the game; through some of his cleanouts.
“Especially early in his career when you could tuck a shoulder a bit more. He’s very physical around the breakdown.
“Probably in the current team, Ethan Blackadder. At the training park, he’s very heavy. Getting over the ball, you’re making sure you’re locking it down, otherwise you’re getting spat out of the back.”
🤫 Scott Barrett v Nic White. pic.twitter.com/uxY0sqz6vI
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 30, 2023
‘Joy on the fans’ faces’
Barrett also the discussed what he enjoyed the most about playing the game and it produced a fascinating response.
“Seeing the joy on the fans’ faces after a game or just hearing their stories of how much they love the team that you’re following,” he said.
“It might be their first game or they might have travelled across the world. Those interactions with fans are pretty awesome.
“I guess within the game, you have a whole week of preparation and that comes down to an 80-minute performance where you’ve got 23 blokes who put it all out there on the park.
“All going well, you get to share a moment in the shed afterwards where you can look each other in the eye and say, ‘yep, that was pretty awesome’.
“I love the culture. As you’ve probably found out, I’m a bit of a rugby-head.”
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