Springbok defends Barrett goalkick ploy

Two-test Springbok Curwin Bosch defended All Black Beauden Barrett after an eagle-eyed South African fan noticed him rolling the ball a couple of metres towards the goal posts before kicking a penalty in last Saturday’s Wellington test.

The Springboks supporter spotted All Blacks fullback Barrett nudging the ball with his foot while referee Nic Berry had his back turned during the 16-16 draw in the Rugby Championship, posting TV footage of the incident on social media.

Some believed Barrett should not have indulged in such gamesmanship and kept the ball at the mark where the penalty was awarded. But others asked why there wasn’t a similar outcry about RG Snyman illegally entering a ruck prior to smacking into All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick and dislocating his shoulder.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said Barrett had simply repeated an action performed by many goal kickers. Bosch, a Springboks squad member and a goal kicker, spoke out on social media, replying to the video which sparked the debate.

‘‘We all do this. Look at penalties kicked to touch and tell me if you find someone who kicks it on the mark,’’ the 22-year-old Sharks first-five/fullback tweeted.

The All Blacks and South Africa next clash in their Rugby World Cup opener on September 21 and Barrett could face extra scrutiny should he be lining up goals in Yokohama.

Hansen defended Barrett when speaking to media at the Bledisloe Cup squad announcement on Wednesday.

‘‘Look, you guys [media] have watched a lot of footy from club level right to the very highest level; I would say most goal kickers have done that at some point in their time,’’ Hansen said.

‘‘Is it right? Probably not, but they all do it. Is it any different than when you get a penalty and kick for touch and end up taking two strides past the mark to kick it out? It’s just what happens in footy.’’

Barrett kicked the penalty in question to give the All Blacks a 10-6 lead early in the second half. He missed two other penalty attempts in the match and Richie Mo’unga took over goal-kicking duties when Barrett was struggling with cramp in his calf.