Barrett saw psychologists

Rugby: All Blacks lock Scott Barrett said he consulted with sports psychologists to help him get to the bottom of his tackling problems while serving a threeweek ban in Super Rugby.

The Crusaders captain returned to action in last week’s win at the Brumbies following his suspension for a dangerous tackle on Blues prop Alex Hodgman.

Barrett, who was sent off against Australia in 2019 for a similar tackle on captain Michael Hooper, admitted his confidence had taken a knock after the most recent red card.

The 28yearold spent time with All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka and sports psychologist Ceri Evans, a former New Zealand football international, while working with Crusaders assistant coach Tamati Ellison on technique.

‘‘I’ve sorted a few of my own things out, with tackle technique, building confidence back up . . . with something like that you can internalise it, overanalyse things, which I naturally can do,’’ Barrett said. — Reuters