Scott Barrett Responds to Dave Rennie’s Decision on All Blacks Captaincy
- Scott Barrett is back with the All Blacks, but his return comes after a major change in the leadership group
- The veteran lock has addressed Dave Rennie’s decision and explained where his focus lies ahead of the Bledisloe Cup
- Barrett missed a huge chunk of rugby after injury and surgery, but his comeback could add valuable experience to New Zealand’s pack
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Former All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has addressed his loss of the New Zealand captaincy as he prepares to return for the Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday. The 32-year-old lock has been sidelined for an extended period following surgery and a non-playing sabbatical, but is now back in the All Blacks set-up under new coach Dave Rennie.
Barrett previously captained the All Blacks under Scott Robertson. However, Rennie has selected hooker Codie Taylor to lead the side after Ardie Savea suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Rennie had described Barrett as a "reluctant captain", a comment that prompted a measured response from the experienced lock.
"I don't know what 'reluctant captain' means, to be honest," Barrett said, according to Rugby.com.au.
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He added that he had spoken with Rennie several times before the captaincy decision was formally made.
"Whether he had that in his mind, to go in a different direction with the captaincy, that conversation may have confirmed that," Barrett said.
Barrett focused on All Blacks return
Rather than dwell on the leadership change, Barrett said he was eager to contribute wherever required.
"I'm hugely excited to be back in this team and looking forward to contributing in whatever capacity," he said.
His return comes after a difficult period. Barrett missed the entire Super Rugby Pacific season, and the All Blacks' 3-1 series defeat to South Africa came after further surgery was required following an earlier ankle and Achilles injury.
He only returned to provincial rugby with Taranaki a fortnight ago. The 89-Test lock is now expected to add experience to an All Blacks pack preparing for a Wallabies side that recently defeated South Africa in Perth.
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All Blacks prepare for Bledisloe Cup battle
Barrett said the set piece would be a major focus, particularly after seeing the Springboks dominate that area against New Zealand.
"We've already addressed a few things on where we need to get better, around the scrum," he said.
The All Blacks have won their past 11 Tests against Australia and have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003. Australia have not beaten New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986.
For Barrett, however, the immediate priority is simply getting back on the field.
"We're fully on alert for what's coming," he said.
Barrett's return gives Rennie an experienced option in the forwards, even though the veteran lock will not reclaim the captaincy. With the Bledisloe Cup opener approaching, his focus appears firmly on contributing on the field rather than revisiting the leadership decision.
Dave Rennie opens up on All Blacks' Springboks struggles
Briefly News previously reported that Dave Rennie is preparing the All Blacks for a crucial Bledisloe Cup campaign after a difficult run against the Springboks.
The New Zealand coach has now spoken candidly about the three successive defeats and admitted that the results have not reflected what he believes his team can produce.
Rennie has also identified what must change as the All Blacks look to respond against Australia.
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Source: Briefly News
