Home

All Black Barrett feared worst after hit

Staff WritersReuters
NZ's Beauden Barrett (c) says he feared the worst after his mid-air collision with Kurt-Lee Arendse. (EPA PHOTO)
Camera IconNZ's Beauden Barrett (c) says he feared the worst after his mid-air collision with Kurt-Lee Arendse. (EPA PHOTO) Credit: EPA

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 winger Kurt-Lee Arendse while rising to intercept a box kick and crashed heavily to the turf late in the 26-10 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 and - I can't remember who it was - told me to stay still," he said in a video released by the All Blacks.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"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."

The Game AFL 2024

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."

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails