VIDEO: Barrett opens up about 'scary' collision
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett feared the worst after landing head-first from a terrible mid-air challenge against South Africa but says the team will continue to be courageous under the Springboks’ high ball.
Barrett was upended by South Africa wing Kurt-Lee Arendse while rising to intercept a box kick and crashed heavily to the turf late in the 10-26 defeat at Mbombela Stadium last Saturday.
Arendse was red-carded and subsequently suspended for four matches.
“It was quite a big collision and I did think the worst instantly – especially when I was on the ground,” Barrett said.
“I can’t remember who it was that told me to stay still.
“It wasn’t until [the doctor] came on and asked me, ‘Can you move your fingers? Your toes?’ I was relieved to have passed those tests. I eventually sat up and was able to walk off and get on with it.
“But there was a fearful period there for a minute or so where you do think of the worst. It’s quite scary when you go over backwards and you find yourself come down on your head and shoulders.”
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Building pressure with high kicks has long been part of South Africa’s gameplan but it left All Blacks staff with a sour taste in Mbombela.
Arendse also clattered into Barrett’s fullback brother Jordie in a mid-air contest but did not draw a penalty, triggering a complaint about the officiating from All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
The teams meet in their second Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Barrett said the All Blacks must do more to protect their teammates under the high ball.
“It’s something we expected from South Africa in terms of the high-ball collision and contest,” he said.
“I don’t think they’ll change anything.
“We’ll continue to be courageous and get up.
“Our escorters have to legally stop that chaser from running a good line and allowing that mid-air collision.”
All Blacks head coach Foster is under pressure to beat the world champions in Saturday’s second Test against South Africa in order to guarantee his job for the rest of The Rugby Championship.
Barrett said belief is still strong in the All Blacks’ camp and called on New Zealand fans to get behind their team.
“Winning is a habit, but losing can be too,” he said.
“We have to remember how well we can do the simple things, why we play the game and what got us here in the first place, not over-complicating things and just enjoy playing footy.
“All I ask is the fans believe in us, have our backs and support [us] because we certainly need that.”
Sources: AFP & AAP
