Criticism of Barrett’s goalkicking unfair, says Irish star
Beauden Barrett’s much-criticised goalkicking has been defended by an unexpected source with Irish star Johnny Sexton backing the All Black’s boot ahead of their Dublin duel.
The All Blacks play Six Nations champions Ireland on November 18 (8am NZT), a week after they tackle England in London.
Sharpshooter Sexton is relishing another tangle with the All Blacks at home and is pumped for his battle with Barrett.
‘‘He’s a nice guy, world player of the year the last two years in a row, he’s the guy to catch,’’ Sexton said.
Sexton seemed bemused by the flak Barrett cops for his goalkicking which appears to be the only chink in his armour.
‘‘I think he gets it bad . . . even during that Lions tour he got slated for the second test when he kicked seven from 10 on a windy, wet night in Wellington,’’ Sexton said.
‘‘You know, the game against South Africa [also in Wellington], he only missed a few. But, like, it’s one of the hardest stadiums in the world to kick in; the wind can play absolute havoc. I’ve had sessions there where I’ve barely got a kick.
‘‘So I think he gets a bit of unfair criticism in his kicking.’’
Sexton no longer operates in awe of the men in black, having been part of Ireland’s historic first win over them in Chicago in 2016 and then helping the British & Irish Lions draw their series in New Zealand last year.
‘‘I think our levels of fitness now, and our levels of preparation, have gone up a lot since then,’’ he said.
But he felt there was a fresh challenge in front of Ireland who are coached by New Zealander Joe Schmidt.
‘‘We’ve never beaten them in Ireland, so it would be pretty special to be on the first Irish team to beat them here. And I’m sure the crowd, everyone is looking for tickets and the thought of it so it’s going to be a pretty special occasion, I think.’’