Beauden Barrett: ‘It was clear I wasn’t up the pecking order’

All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett has revealed that spending time on the sidelines mentally challenged his confidence after receiving limited playing time under head coach Dave Rennie in 2026. Barrett played only 15 minutes during the four-Test series against the Springboks, scoring a try in a 43-28 defeat in Baltimore, before earning his first start under Rennie at fullback against Australia at Eden Park following an injury to Richie Mo'unga.

Speaking from Sydney, Barrett praised the coaching staff for maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding his position in the pecking order. He noted that while being left out affected him, honest discussions with Rennie motivated him to stay consistent and support the team whether playing inside or outside the matchday 23.