All Blacks v Wallabies: Beauden Barrett reflects on mental challenge building up to first test start this year

All Blacks veteran Beauden Barrett admitted he faced a mental challenge after falling down the squad pecking order prior to earning his first test start of the year against the Wallabies at Eden Park. The 35-year-old fullback marked his 150th appearance for New Zealand on Saturday after playing just nine minutes across the national side's previous tests in 2026 under new head coach Dave Rennie.

Barrett earned his starting opportunity at fullback following injuries to Ruben Love and Richie Mo'unga, which forced Damian McKenzie to shift to fly-half. The milestone appearance was especially meaningful as Barrett started alongside his brothers Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett, helping the All Blacks secure the Bledisloe Cup ahead of their upcoming rematch in Sydney.