Ex-Bok great can't understand narrative around Beauden Barrett

Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield has praised All Black first five-eighth Beauden Barrett after his performance in the 41-24 defeat of Argentina in Cordoba.

The Test centurion expressed with confusion around Barrett’s selection at No.10, and couldn’t believe that there are doubts around his ability to control a Test match.

His game management against Argentina was on show, kicking for territory when it seemed the All Blacks attack was stagnant. Matfield also pointed out his noticed a lift in his goal kicking, with Barrett kicking 4/4 before his first miss on the weekend.

Joseph on what he expects from Boks

Joseph on what he expects from Boks

“Firstly on Beauden Barrett, two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, I don’t know why people doubt him,” Matfield told the Rugby Rivals podcast.

“He’s an unbelievable 10. I think he’s a much better 10 than a 15. It’s always better playing against him when he’s not at 10.

“And again, like you said, maybe not this goal kicker like Dan Carter was, but now he’s kicking really well.

“I think the balance that he brings to a game, when he kicks, when he plays, when he takes the line on, the speed that he’s got, it’s unbelievable.”

The former Springbok captain believed the All Blacks had the balance right in their game, with the ability to play wide or tight.

They were able to use their rolling maul to put three tries on the Pumas, whereas the Boks were not able to get their maul going against the Wallabies.

“How funny is it, New Zealand go three maul tries. That’s why when I go back to South Africa, we didn’t score one maul try,” he said.

“I think they’ve [New Zealand] got their balance right, when to play, when to just kick the ball in behind, not defensive kicking, attacking kicking.

“Put it in behind, forcing them to turn around, and then their forward pack, using their energy to score tries.

“When you get into their 22, go at them, use your maul, go around the corner, very effective.”