‘Gave me sh**’: All Blacks prop de Groot recalls coach’s brutal assessment

All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot has recalled the time assistant coach Neil Barnes “gave me sh** for having sh** skills,” after the now 43-Test enforcer showcased some razzle-dazzle in a 40-21 Nations Cup win over Ireland at Eden Park.

De Groot started all three July Tests at loosehead prop, putting in a mammoth 49-minute shift against world number four Ireland at The Garden. The front-rower played a part in some exciting phase play as the New Zealanders took control during the opening 40.

The All Blacks piled on 28 points before the break, with three forwards crossing the chalk for decisive five-pointers. De Groot touched down for a try last weekend against Italy in Wellington and continued to turn heads with a strong showing against the Irish.

It was a 14-point ballgame when De Groot was replaced, walking off the field and towards the replacements bench at Eden Park for a well-earned rest. The front-rower had finished in double digits for tackles completed and run the ball four times.

“It’s funny because Barnsey actually gave me sh** for having sh** skills so I’ve been working hard to try and prove him wrong with a bit of razzle,” de Groot told reporters.

“I’m glad they’re sticking and he hasn’t got any ammo on me.

“Nah he’s a good bugger. Haven’t been on the wrong side of him.”

De Groot was named in a starting side that boasted 450 Test caps between the eight forwards alone, and more than 925 appearances between the 23-man squad. Ardie Savea captained the national team, but there were plenty of leaders in the team.

Highlanders co-captain de Groot joined Codie Taylor up front, who has long been a vice-captain at the Crusaders. Patrick Tuipulotu led the Blues to a Super Rugby Pacific title in 2024, and Luke Jacobson is an important figure within the Chiefs setup.

The forwards stepped up during the first half against Ireland, with the likes of Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord playing a key part in the team’s first try. Vaa’i made multiple half-breaks out wide, before Lord set up Tuipulotu for the opening points.

Savea became the all-time All Blacks leader for Test tries at Eden Park, and replacement Asafo Aumua – who also has captaincy experience at the Hurricanes – delivered a statement score just before half-time.

New Zealand had conceded tries inside the first three minutes against both France and Italy, but it was a different story this time around. It took Ireland 32 minutes to score their first points, with No. 8 Jack Conan crashing over.

“Before the game I feel like the preparation’s been done. There’s always nerves earlier in the week and how trainings and stuff are going but for me personally, game day is just trying to relax and try and fill in the day,” de Groot said.

“We had a big emphasis on our start.

“Real emphasis on our start this week and pretty happy we didn’t let them in early.”

Joe McCarthy helped Ireland get off to a dream start in the second half, with the towering lock scoring a try four minutes after the break. But the All Blacks continued to throw the ball around, regaining control of the match’s momentum.

Damian McKenzie was next to strike for the home side with 25 minutes remaining. The match was all but over when the All Blacks continued to chase more points in the dying stages, with replacement Anton Lienert-Brown capping off the result with one last try in the 78^th minute.

“Bit of confidence there and I still feel like we left a few out there, to be honest,” he said.

“Especially when we got close to the line, Ireland were defending hard. We did manage to find a way, it wasn’t always pretty but we got there.”