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146-Test All black people playmaker Beauden Barrett has offered an insight into the conversations Dave Rennie and the coaching staff had with him during rugby’s biggest rivalry, where Barrett had limited options.
Barrett played just 15 minutes in the four-Test series against back-to-back world champions the Springboks, coming off the bench to score in the All Blacks’ 43-28 defeat in Baltimore.
But Blues the first-five was thrust into a starting full-back role last week in Auckland after Richie Mo’unga went down in training on Tuesday ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park.
Mo’unga’s injury moved Damian McKenzie to No.10, allowing Barrett to make his first start under Rennie in 2026.
The experienced playmaker has been consistently praised by Rennie and the coaching staff for his impressive form in training, keeping the All Blacks playmakers on their toes throughout the eight Test matches so far in 2026.
And when Barrett got his chance in the famous All Blacks fortress, he played a firm and effective hand.
Speaking from the All Blacks’ Sydney hotel, Barrett said he would be lying if his time on the sidelines hadn’t affected his confidence.
“Yeah, it challenged me a little bit mentally, because I didn’t get picked and I just feel a little off the pace when you’re 23 or 15, you’re in the prime of it,” Barrett explained.
“You feel that flow, the connections, the combinations and all that. So coming back, obviously, is a matter of repetition and building during the week and really trusting that process.
“That’s where a lot of confidence comes from. So, yeah, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect me. But it’s just that I can go back, focus on what I do well and be consistent whether I’m selected or not; it’s about turning up for the team, and at the end of the day, it’s a win for the All Blacks.”
“So if I’m contributing outside the 23 or inside it, that’s my role in the team.”
Despite being one of the most talked about All Blacks in 2026, Barrett made it clear that the messages from Rennie and the All Blacks coaching staff were consistent and clear.
“Yeah, I’m aware you’re asking Dave the same thing, and it’s consistent. He’s told me he likes the way I train.”
“He’s happy with my contribution and it was clear that I wasn’t right, so I had to really work for it or wait for my chance. So the good thing is that we’re both honest with each other.”
“We know where we are, and yes, there are no mixed messages.”
